Fire and snakes. #SmallTownLife

Found a little garden snake while I was getting wood for the fire.
I took a few pics of him and and sent him on his way back into the yard. :-)
The scientific name for the garden snake is *Thamnophis sirtalis*.

Habitat:
Garden snakes, also known as garter snakes, are found throughout North America. They inhabit a wide range of environments including forests, fields, meadows, grasslands, and suburban areas. They are often found near water sources such as streams, ponds, and marshes but are also commonly found in gardens, hence the name "garden snake."

Diet:
Garter snakes are carnivorous and primarily eat small prey such as insects, earthworms, slugs, snails, amphibians, and small rodents. They are also known to eat fish, birds, and their eggs. Garter snakes are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever prey is available and appropriately sized for them.

Garter snakes are non-venomous and are harmless to humans. They play a crucial role in controlling populations of pests like slugs and rodents, making them beneficial to have around in garden and agricultural settings.