Twelve Months of Northern Ohio Herps in 2022 (Part 2)

A melanistic Eastern Garter Snake found in Ottawa County on April 29.

And a Butler's Garter Snake also found in the same county on the same day. This reptile only averages 15-20 inches in total length.

A Columbiana County Northern Slimy Salamander that I found on April 30.

It was a chilly day, but I also managed to turn up the Queen Snake. This snake is semi-aquatic and only eats one thing: crayfish.

And this awesome Mudpuppy. Mudpuppies are large aquatic salamanders. They have gills and spend their entire life underwater.

This juvenile American Bullfrog was hanging out at a nearby pond.

By early May, Spring was in full swing and Trillium was blooming.

A baby Northern Water Snake on May 1. Baby Northern Water Snakes have black bands on a background of pale gray or light brown. As the snakes grow, their pattern fades, becoming obscure.

Many of the "usual suspects" were found, like this Green Frog.

Red-spotted Newt.

The Gray Treefrog lives in moist woodlands and swamps near water. It is very acrobatic and will often jump from branch to branch to catch its insect prey.

Dusky Salamanders like wooded or partially wooded moist habitats with a running source of water. They may go into the water to find cover under rocks if disturbed.

American Toad.

Two-lined Salamanders like wooded or partially wooded moist habitats with a running source of water. They may go into the water to find cover under rocks if disturbed.

Herp habitat.

Spring Peeper - This tiny frog can be heard calling any month of the year in Ohio if conditions are right.

A Black Rat Snake that I saw in Cuyahoga Valley National Park on May 10.

A Common Snapping Turtle with a leech on its nose.

A feisty Eastern Garter Snake - most individuals can be identified by the presence of three yellow stripes down their dark body.

This (non-native) Cooter/Midland Painted Turtle combo was also seen on May 10.

An American Bullfrog seen in Cuyahoga Valley National Park on May 12.

And a Black Rat Snake seen on the same day.

I did a little "community outreach" with this wild Eastern Garter Snake before releasing it.