Peninsula Kingsnake

Peninsula kingsnake.
Lampropeltis getula getula (x) L. g. floridana.
March 9th, 2006.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge;
Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Nikon D70s.
~~~~~

We found this massive kingsnake hightailing it across one of the rocky, narrow roads on Merritt Island. The roads serve as narrow trails through the salt marsh area of Merritt Island. The kingsnake, once he'd gotten off the road, ducked down under the outcrop and was slinking parallel to shore. I was pretty lucky to find the snake - only about a square inch of his body was visible. He was pretty well-hidden beneath the vegetation.

Handling him for the photographs was a real charm. A large, strong, and elegant snake, this inidividual cooperated quite beautifully. And I do have to admit, it was really, really hard letting this one go! As a general rule, I don't keep the snakes I catch and photograph. Just shoot and release. But this one was so amazingly beautiful... oh, it was tough.

~ janson