Snakes We've Encountered on Our 10-Acre Michigan Property

 

Eastern Garter Snake

When I was a kid, I spent my summers playing in a nearby field with my friends. We'd ride our bikes down what we thought was a massive dirt hill. Looking back, it was probably pretty small, but it felt like a big adventure at the time!

That same field was home to frogs and snakes, creatures that always fascinated me.

Fast-forward to today, and I never expected our 10-acre property in Central Michigan to introduce me to so many different kinds of snakes. Living in the Metro Detroit area, I was used to seeing Eastern garter snakes. I hadn't realized just how many other species we might encounter in Michigan.

Over the years, we've had a few memorable snake encounters while exploring our property and working around our seasonal getaway.

Surprising Encounters in the Wild

Brown Snake

Brown Snake

One day, I was walking along the sandy path toward the back of our property, which is one of my favorite things to do when we're up north. I glanced up at the trees and then looked down at the ground just in time to notice what I thought was a twig moving.

Of course, it wasn't a twig!

A brown snake was stretched out on the sand, soaking up the sunshine. As soon as I disturbed it, it slithered away into the woods. It's amazing how easily a snake can blend into its surroundings when you're not paying close attention.

Smooth Green Snake

Smooth Green Snake

We had another unexpected visitor while repairing the bricks around the foundation of our mobile home. A bright green head appeared from a hole, and we discovered a smooth green snake.

I was surprised by its size. Since it appeared to be living beneath the house, I wondered how long it had been there. As it moved out of the area, we were able to continue working on the damaged bricks.

Living on a wooded property means sharing the space with all kinds of wildlife. Sometimes, that wildlife shows up in places you don't expect!

A Memorable Encounter

Eastern Hognose

Eastern Hognose

One of the most memorable snakes we've seen on our property was an Eastern hognose.

If you've never encountered one, its defensive display can be quite something. An Eastern hognose may flatten its neck and body, making itself look larger and more intimidating. It can even resemble a cobra when it puts on this display!

Its markings can also catch you by surprise. Although it isn't a rattlesnake, its pattern can give you that initial impression.

We've only seen an Eastern hognose that one time, but it certainly made an impression on me. It's one of those wildlife encounters that sticks with you long after you've walked away.

Respecting Nature

We enjoy seeing the wildlife that calls our 10-acre property home, and snakes are part of that experience. We don't handle them. Instead, we give them room to move along and leave them undisturbed.

If a snake is somewhere it could be in danger, we try to keep our distance and let it move away on its own rather than attempting to handle or move it.

Having a seasonal getaway surrounded by trees has given us opportunities to notice wildlife we might never see during an ordinary day at home in Metro Detroit. From birds and wildflowers to unexpected reptile encounters, there's always something interesting to discover when we're up north.

Have you ever encountered a snake that surprised you? Which of these three: the brown snake, smooth green snake, or Eastern hognose would you find most fascinating? Share your experiences in the comments. I'd love to hear about the wildlife you've come across!