The Blue Racer Snake: A Rare Sight in Michigan
Michigan is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including some of the most unique and rare species in the United States. One such species is the blue racer snake, a species of non-venomous snake that is native to the Great Lakes region. The blue racer snake is a beautiful and fascinating creature that can be found in Michigan’s woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.
What Does the Blue Racer Snake Look Like?
The blue racer snake is a medium-sized snake that can grow up to four feet long. It has a slender body with smooth scales and a light gray or bluish-gray coloration. Its head is slightly pointed with two large eyes and its tail tapers off into a point. The underside of the snake is usually white or yellowish in color.
Where Can You Find Blue Racer Snakes in Michigan?
Blue racer snakes can be found throughout Michigan’s woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. They prefer open areas with plenty of vegetation for cover and are often found near water sources such as streams or ponds. They are also commonly seen basking on logs or rocks near these water sources during the day.
What Do Blue Racer Snakes Eat?
Blue racer snakes are carnivorous predators that feed mainly on small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, and moles as well as amphibians like frogs and salamanders. They will also occasionally eat insects such as grasshoppers or crickets if they come across them while hunting for food.
Are Blue Racer Snakes Endangered?
The blue racer snake is not currently listed as an endangered species by the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service but it is considered to be threatened due to habitat loss from human development and other factors such as climate change. As such, it is important to protect their habitats so that they can continue to thrive in Michigan’s woodlands, wetlands, and prairies for generations to come.
How Can You Help Protect Blue Racer Snakes?
There are several ways you can help protect blue racer snakes in Michigan:
-Avoid disturbing their habitats by staying on designated trails when hiking or camping in areas where they may live;
-Never handle wild snakes;
-Support conservation efforts by donating money or volunteering your time;
-Educate yourself about these fascinating creatures so you can spread awareness about their importance;
-Report any sightings of blue racer snakes to local wildlife authorities so they can monitor their populations;
-Plant native vegetation around your home or property which will provide food sources for these animals;
-Reduce your use of pesticides which can harm these animals;
-And lastly, never release any pet reptiles into the wild!