This week’s photo is from Colony Farm in Port Coquitlam. The common garter snake is the most common snake in North America and can be the only snake present in many northern areas. This snake may have been emerging from a communal hibernaculum where all three species of garter snakes may hibernate together. This particular species is associated with marshy areas like those of Colony Farm and specializes on amphibian prey. This snake coiled like a rattle snake in response to my photographic intrusions but I am glad I did not attempt to pick it up as they will often emit strong smelling excrement to deter would be predators. Look for a full field report from Colony Farm here soon.