Summer › Amphibians & Reptiles

Cope's Gray Treefrog

This species can change from a bright green to gray (almost brown) in seconds.

Northern Leopard Frog

The leopard frog is the most familiar frog in Minnesota, and the one I run across most frequently in my project zone. They may be varying shades of green or brown. I've noticed that frogs—like other creatures—freeze momentarily when they know they've been spotted. As soon as I turn away, they quickly retreat.

American Toad

Tadpoles : In shallow water on gravel trail

A tadpole is the larval stage in the life cycle of an amphibian, particularly that of a frog or toad. They are usually wholly aquatic, though some species have tadpoles that are terrestrial.

Painted Turtle

I didn't capture its namesake "painted" shell as well as I might have. I left it for just a short while to set up my tripod for another shot, and when I circled back, it was gone. For a slow turtle, it moved on pretty quickly. Opportunity lost and lesson learned.

Garter Snake

A bit gruesome to see, this snake is making a meal of what looks to be either an american or canadian toad. I had witnessed the initial struggle a short distance ahead, and soon after the snake was pulling its prey into a wooded area.

Slow to leave its comfortable sunny spot on the footbridge, this Garter Snake slumbered just long enough to photograph. Although I see many snakes on summer walks, they slither quickly into the foliage as I approach and I rarely have opportunity to get a clear shot.

2013 close encounter of the reptile kind : True story

Although I regrettably didn't get of photo, I am compelled to share this description of a chance encounter with what must have been someone's released pet python. It was aggressively thrashing in the creek—as if it had just caught something—under a footpath bridge I was about to cross. Its sheer size took me back (literally a few steps for safety). Large sections of its black, thick body were rolling partially exposed above the waterline on both sides of the bridge simultaneously. Its head must have been under the bridge with its prey. It soon submerged out of sight.

Needless to say, I briskly ran across the bridge in jumping fashion to continue my walk. I warned the first person I saw walking their dog to beware, and cringed on subsequent walks seeing dogs drinking from the creek near that very spot.

Upon my description, my wife Annette felt the need to report the sighting to the Eden Prairie police. I imagine they laughed. I assume this serpent couldn't have survived winter, but nonetheless, I'll have one eye peeled when crossing that area in the future.