I was taking an early morning hike at Fort Hill when I saw this Garter Snake basking in the sun. Usually they scurry away, but this guy must have been really enjoying the warmth. (Click on blog link for other photo.)

“Garter snakes are common, harmless North American snakes known for the stripes on their backs, which resemble old-fashioned garters. They are adaptable carnivores that eat earthworms, slugs, amphibians, and small fish, and are considered beneficial to gardens as they prey on pests. Garter snakes are active during the day, give birth to live young, and are important for controlling rodent populations.”