So You Think You Found a Clutch of Snake Condos in Michigan?
Ever been out on a hike in Michigan's glorious wilderness and stumbled upon a leathery surprise? Maybe a bunch of leathery surprises nestled together – like a reptilian Tupperware party gone wrong? Well, my friend, you've likely encountered a clutch of snake eggs! But don't go reaching for the snake tongs just yet (unless you're Indiana Jones, in which case, carry on). Not all Michigan snakes are packing heat, and many are actually egg-cellent neighbors to have around.
Cracking the Code: Michigan's Egg-laying Serpents
Here in the Great Lakes State, several slithery residents choose the oviposition route (that's fancy science talk for "egg-laying"). Some of the most common egg-laying suspects include:
- Black Rat Snake: This legless shadow hunter lays its clutch between May and early July. They're not picky eaters and will happily chomp down on rodents, keeping your yard free of unwanted visitors.
- Eastern Milk Snake: Don't let the name fool you, they wouldn't touch a drop of milk! These guys are another rodent-munching marvel, and their eggs arrive around mid-June to July.
- Eastern Fox Snake: These long bois are shy and reclusive, but an important part of the ecosystem. They might leave you a hidden gift of snake eggs in June or July.
Remember: These are just a few examples! There are many other egg-laying snakes in Michigan, each with their own fascinating quirks.
Hold Your Horses (or Should We Say, Garter Snakes?): Not All Michigan Snakes Are Egg-layers!
While many Michigan snakes are into the whole egg-laying thing, there are some outliers who prefer the live-bearer lifestyle (think tiny, live snakes instead of eggs). These live-bearers include the common garter snake and the northern water snake. So, before you go full-on snake egg CSI, consider the size and overall vibe of the slithering suspect.
So You Found Snake Eggs: Now What?
Generally, the best course of action is to leave them be. Mama snake worked hard to find the perfect spot, and the eggs are perfectly happy basking in the sun until they hatch. Interfering can actually harm the developing baby snakes.
However, if the eggs are in a dangerous location (like your pool or about to get stomped on by a herd of enthusiastic toddlers), you can carefully relocate them to a similar spot with plenty of sunlight and shelter.
Important Note: If you encounter the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Michigan's only venomous snake, give it a wide berth and admire it from afar. Their eggs look pretty similar to other snake eggs, so it's best to leave them alone and call a wildlife professional for help.
Frequently Asked Egg-xpert Questions:
How to tell if you found snake eggs?
Snake eggs are typically leathery, oval-shaped, and white.
How long do snake eggs take to hatch?
Incubation time varies depending on the species, but it's usually between 6-8 weeks.
How many eggs do snakes lay?
The number of eggs can vary depending on the species, but it can range from a handful to a couple dozen.
How to care for snake eggs I accidentally found?
Ideally, leave them alone. But if they're in danger, carefully move them to a similar warm, sheltered location.
Should I be scared of snake eggs?
Nope! Snake eggs are harmless. Just admire them from a distance and let mama snake do her thing.
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