Reptiles in the Pond

You have now reached the last stop on the Eco Trail. The pond is behind you. In front of you is a small picnic area, and to your left is a willow tree and a wooden bridge. Reptiles in the Pond: Reptiles are another group of wildlife that call the pond home and include turtles, snakes, and lizards. Downed trees, rocks, or other structures near the water’s surface attract painted turtles and common snapping turtles, who enjoy basking in the sun. Snakes such as the northern water snake use the surrounding vegetation for cover and enjoy the abundance of food it provides. The common snapping turtle has a rugged, muscular build with a ridged upper shell that can grow almost two feet in length. Males are larger than females. Their coloration varies from dark brown to almost black; they have long tails and necks. The northern water snake measures between 2 to 4 ½ feet long. The body varies in shades of gray, tan, and brown. These colors are brighter in young snakes. Adult snakes have dark stripes that are often mistaken with venomous snakes such as the copperhead. These snakes are not venomous but will defend themselves, if agitated. If you see a snake in the Park, do not approach it. If you would like, reach out and touch images of both reptiles on the right half of the sign. The top image is of the common snapping turtle, with its head facing us in thin brown grass. The bottom image is the northern water snake. The snake is curled up in an S-like shape in brown mulch. Great job! You have completed the All-Access Eco Trail! We hope you have enjoyed your adventure. To the right of this sign is a grass path to picnic benches, if you would like to sit and rest. To go back to the Welcome Center, continue over the bridge and head to the right, up the incline, using the stairs or the ramp. Then continue straight on this path for 490 feet, turn left, and go back up the hill through the Volunteer Garden. Turn right back on the Blue Loop and continue uphill on the main asphalt path. Then take a right at the Ellipse, and then two lefts to head straight to the Welcome Center. Please consider exploring some of the art in the Park, or one of our other trails.