Reptiles & Amphibians of Alberta

Finally, a photo showing the bright red tongue of the Wandering Garter Snake.

Managed to get this photo despite my fear of snakes!

I must admit that this is not my favourite member of the wildlife of Alberta. However, I was determined to try and lessen my fear of snakes and in fact took part in a short monitoring of snakes in one of the parks earlier this year. Well, I should say that others held and measured each catch - and I photographed! It seems to have helped a little - anything to get a photo!

Found when a number of us were crossing a stream on the local Indian Reserve. Not on MY hand!

Again, not on MY hand! This tiny Boreal Chorus Frog was found at Frank Lake, outside Calgary. Their size is 1.9 — 3.7 cm., making them the smallest species of frog in Canada. These brown to green frogs have three dark, sometimes broken stripes down their back. They belong to the tree frog family, but their toe discs are minute, and rarely do they climb higher than the tops of tall grasses.

This is what I came across on one of my local walks. Once my knees lost some of their weakness, I plucked up the courage to lean forward and just kept clicking. The weather wasn't particularly warm, so fortunately the snake was too cold to move.

This is a Wood Frog, seen in Weaselhead. I rarely see frogs, so was happy to come across this little guy who seemed to be curious about my presence.

Not on MY hand! Someone else was willing to hold this small Boreal Chorus Frog so that I could take a photo.

Plucked up my courage, and cranked the zoom! Wandering Garter Snakes are harmless - but that's beside the point!