Timber Rattlesnakes eat a wide range of small birds and mammals, including rodents, moles and rabbits. This is the largest one I've seen in a long time.

A Chinese Mantis seen near Snake Road.

A young Timber Rattlesnake hanging out on the limestone bluffs near Snake Road.

What it looks like when approaching a Cottonmouth crossing Snake Road.

Getting a little closer...

The ruler of it's domain - a Cottonmouth on Snake Road.

An American Bumblebee on a native thistle.

The smallest snake in the land - a Redbelly Snake in a woodland habitat.

A handful of Hellgrammites.

Two-lined Salamanders are common stream-side amphibians.

A male Eastern Box Turtle (not crossing the road for a change).

A hefty Southern Leopard Frog in St. Clair County, Illinois.

A young Plainbelly Water Snake - this serpent loses its dorsal pattern as it matures.

This was my first two Siren trip. Lesser Sirens are completely aquatic, rarely leaving water unless its an absolutely necessary.

Young Cottonmouths, such as this one, are sometimes boldly patterned.

It was a great trip!

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