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Sharp-tailed snake
Contia tenuis
44.5696, -123.278
Field Notes
Description:
The sharp-tailed snake averages from eight to twelve inches long as an adult. It is distinguished by its sharp tail spine, which is the protruding tip of the last tail vertebra. The spine is not toxic and cannot injure humans. Rather, the tail is used to stabilize small prey, such as slugs, for consumption. The dorsal surface ranges in color from greyish-brown to brown to brick red, with bubble-gum pink and peachy-orange specimens occasionally found. The ventral surface is a striking series of black and white bars.
Habitat:
These secretive snakes occur in damp conditions at lower temperatures than most other species of snake. They are often found after rainy periods under cover or in talus at forest edges or in open meadows. Open water is often nearby. (taken from "Reptiles of Washington and Oregon")
Notes:
I was amazed that these small snakes were fairly easily found by digging gently through piles of gravel along a rural road. As you can see in photo #4, this was adjacent to an agricultural area. As for the overall quality of the images, I apologize and certainly wish I had another chance to shoot them. I was not very experienced with my camera at the time. :-(
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