I’ve seen at least one Common Garter Snake on the prowl during each of the past four days. They sometimes are hard to see among fallen leaves – until they move and make the fallen leaves rustle softly, as this one did:
These reptiles (Thamnophis sirtalis) are Maine’s most commonly encountered snakes, according to the State’s “Species Spotlight” on them. The ones that I’m seeing may be headed upland to find the right size real estate for overwintering, maybe a choice rodent burrow, ant mound, or root tunnel.
On the other hand, our ground remains reasonably damp and the weather has been relatively warm, which leads me to believe that earthworms are still active. Maybe the snakes are just being opportunistic. Earthworms account for 60-95 percent of this snake’s diet, according to that report.
After one or two overnight frosts, however, the snakes should settle down for a sleep, but they’ll come back out occasionally, on warm winter days. (Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on October 9, 2023.)