60 to 75 cm but may reach a length of over 100 cm. When captured they eject an un- pleasant fluid from glands around the anal opening.

The Garter Snake hibernates in dry frost-free locations such as under rocks or in well- drained soil. These snakes emerge soon after the snow

disappears. In the spring and ‘ 3&5" - - . ,A I,- /// summer it occupies a variety of * if <?flg7/

habitats. It may frequent rocky °°'j :72/ woodlands, fields, hedgerows, swamps, ' bogs, roadside ditches, or stay near

ponds to feed on frogs and toads. Other

foods include insects and earthworms. Young are born alive in late July, August or September. About 30 young are born at a time although sometimes the figure

is much higher. Young Garter Snakes are about 12 to 20 cm long at birth. Garter Snakes may not hibernate until late in the fall, often gathering in large numbers to do so. This species is the largest as well as the most common snake on the Island.

3. Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis)

This snake is a beautiful smooth grassy green above and whitish beneath. It ranges in length from 30 to 50 cm. Green Snakes hibernate earlier in fall than the other two Island species, and may spend the winter singly or in groups. The Smooth Green Snake also emerges later in spring. It is found in grassy areas, rock piles and logs. It eats insects and spiders. This is the only snake species in the province with young hatching from eggs. The white elongated eggs are laid in late July and August under stones or wood. It takes 3 to 4 weeks to hatch. Young are of a greyish colour and are 10 to 13 cm long. The Green Snake has not been frequently reported from the Island.

This concludes the series on the herptiles of P.E.I. Since this group has not been well studied on P.E.I. information on distribution and abundance is scanty. It is highly possible that additional species of amphibians and reptiles may be present in the province. To help fill in the gaps in our knowledge of Island herptiles, the newsletter editor would appreciate receiving records of any sightings.

REFERENCES:

Cook, F.R. 1967. An Analysis of the Herpetofauna of Prince Edward Island. Nat. Mus. Can. Bull. No. 212. Ottawa. 60 pp.

Gorham, S.W. 1970. The Amphibians and Reptiles of New Brunswick. N.B. Museum Monographic Series No. 6. St. John. 30 pp.

Martin, J.L. = 1955. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Nova Scotia. N.S. Museum. Halifax. 17 pp.

Zim, H. S. and H.M. Smith. 1956. Golden Nature Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians. Golden Press. New York. 160 pp.

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