This innovative eastern fox snake found quite a home for itself in a tree swallow nest at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. It appears close to shedding as evidenced by the cloudy skin and eye.
Eastern fox snakes are just one of several varieties commonly found in northwest Ohio. They are frequently spotted in the marshes of Lucas, Ottawa, Erie and Sandusky counties. They eat rodents, frogs, birds, and occasionally bird eggs, which is why it is believed this one took up residence in this swallow nesting box. While fox snakes may look intimidating, they are non-venomous and generally docile reptiles. This photograph was taken by refuge volunteer Michael Zook.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center and Rookery Nature Store are open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seven-mile, self-guided Wildlife Drive is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. The refuge is also offering open air tram tours on select days during the summer. For more information, visit https://www.friendsofottawanwr.org/events.html.
