This is an update on the Snake tracks reptile conservation and education project being conducted by Earthshine Nature Programs.

Zoe remains in the small valley but she has moved around 200 feet to the north of her last location and is sheltering under a rotting stump a few feet above a spring head.

Utsanati remains in hibernation in the same den he has used for the last three winters.

Today I also discovered some unusual large tracks in the melting snow–possibly from a passing hiker or hunter.  They were not far from where Utsanati is overwintering and were hard to make out due to the melting snow. They were about 3-4 inches longer than my size 11 boots and looked surprisingly like “Sasquatch” tracks.

Take a look at Zoe, Utsanati and the strange tracks in today’s video below.

If the video does not play try following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j959vhDmMLA

to watch the video on Youtube.

I would also like to introduce the first episode of Earthshine Nature’s new series: Ratsnake Tracks!

In Ratsnake Tracks we will follow in the tracks of “Splinter”–an adult Black Ratsnake that lives just outside Earthshine Nature Programs’ primary base of operations on the campus of The Academy at Trails Carolina.

In this first video I meet Splinter for the first time then, a short time later, I am joined by Jim and Margaret as we visit Dr. Bolt at Sweeten Creek Animal Hospital to assist with the implantation of Splinter’s new micro radio transmitter.

If the video does not play try following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMDNL8zpGj0
to watch the video on Youtube.com

After Splinter recovers he will over-winter in the nature center only ~10′ from where he was found just outside the back door. He will be released in the spring and the students and I will track him for several years with the goal of learning all that we can about the natural movements and habitat use of a wild ratsnake in and around an area highly used by humans.

Turtle Tracks and Snake Tracks are two reptile conservation, research and education projects occurring near Earthshine Discovery Center and Dupont Forest in the mountains of western North Carolina, USA. Through the magic of modern technology and a lot of hard volunteer work by a wildlife conservationist and his small crew of volunteers, glimpse into the lives of several wild reptiles living in their natural habitats. For more detailed info on our projects and programs please take a look at our website: http://www.earthshinenature.com

It is our goal at ENP to promote wildlife conservation of our misunderstood wildlife through exciting hands-on education, outreach programs, conservation based field research programs, and online with our nature documentary video series.

We are not paid nor do we collect a salary to operate ENP or to conduct our wildlife conservation activities. ENP is a 100% volunteer operated program designed to educate you about these greatly misunderstood and amazing animals and hopefully, to impart to you, their beauty, uniqueness and intrinsic value to a healthy Earth and healthy humans.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you who have donated to ENP over the years!! Without all of you, our wildlife conservation and education mission would just not be possible – your support makes this important work happen. If you would like to support Earthshine Nature Programs please feel free to donate by visiting http://www.earthshinenature.com/donate

Music by John Mason and the Steep Canyon Rangers used with written permission.

Video and editing by Steve O’Neil

Earthshine Nature Programs is in no way affiliated or responsible for ads that may appear below this line.

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