Not so sure what's slithering through your yard? Ask us!

Many people across Connecticut, or perhaps across the world, may know little to virtually nothing about wildlife, and that snakes in particular are an entire category in themselves.

But as I have said before, they are a specialty of mine.

So I can say with there being only fourteen species of snakes in the whole of New England and all of those being in Connecticut, this narrows the possibilities considerably as far as what you might find in your "backyard" or in any outdoor setting you find yourself in.

There are, as I have noted before, for instance, only two venomous species found here. These are the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead. The timber rattlesnake is found in only a select few pockets of habitat throughout this state and with it being a slow breeder, the populations here are highly threatened - even endangered - throughout much of its range.

With this being said this is not a snake one is likely to encounter in their "backyard" or even on a hike in the woods - unless you happen to be in an area the snake is known to live in and you are really "looking."

The northern copperhead is much more common, albeit elusive, and with few exceptions is typically not found that close to human habitation. It can be, however, common in areas people frequent such as certain parks and campgrounds. Yet even here these snakes usually remain hidden during the day (being highly nocturnal) and will avoid humans at all costs.  (Not that I don't suggest wearing sturdy shoes when traipsing about areas you are unfamiliar with, especially in the dark.)

But again this is not a snake you are likely to see unless you are actually "looking" Nonetheless people often do encounter snakes (and various other wildlife) seemingly by accident or when they least expect it. This is often nothing more than a "mere streak in the grass" as I say.

For those times when the encounter is longer and you are curious as to what you are looking at or it happens to be "close to home" and you perhaps are concerned or unsettled by it, you may wish to know what it is as soon as possible.

All the snake species in this state are readily distinguishable with practice and none of the harmless types really resemble the venomous ones except in the vaguest sense. Books and field guides are a good place to start learning the ins and outs of snake identity.

I can identify any native snake (and many, many more) on sight, and I can be contacted through this blog to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding this common but not much talked about issue and may even be willing to travel through the Greater New Haven area if you have a snake you would like identified or any concerns you may have regarding snakes or other wildlife on your property.

As the blog progresses I hope to provide personal detailed photographs and life histories on all the species in question.