GUEST COLUMN: Fear of snakes conquered during the expedition

The following is a guest column from Danielle Houston, Couchiching Conservancy’s Projects and Grants Coordinator.

My first expedition with the Couchiching Conservancy is one I will remember for a long time.

I joined conservation biologist Toby Rowland, youth stewardship coordinator Alysha Henry, and community science volunteers Morah Fenning and Paul Robinson for reptile surveys.

Our goal was to observe as many species as possible while focusing on covering as much space as possible. This trip fulfilled a childhood dream of immersing myself in the world of conservation.

The day started with reviewing a list of snakes and turtles we could find. It was a great opportunity to learn about species at risk and gain insight into a wetland ecosystem.

We geared up with waders and layered clothing, getting ready to enter the wetlands – our first encounter with bogs and alder. To give more context, we initially thought we were just going for the turtle surveys, but we soon discovered it was much more than that. That day, I was about to conquer my fear of snakes.

Forming a line from the forest to the swamp, we moved steadily but slowly, looking for any sign of wildlife other than the elk tracks we found making our way through the alder thickets.

Suddenly, there was movement. Pulling out our binoculars and trying not to make any noise, Paul and I waited patiently to see if the creature would reappear. Then, a small head appeared. With excitement and adrenaline building within me, I firmly said, “I see a turtle.” Toby came over and noticed what had just appeared in front of us, informing me that it was in fact a frog. Nevertheless, it was a success. Already, so early, I spotted an amphibian.

It was important for us to scan both ahead and behind, moving slowly as we progressed through the marsh and marshy primary basin. Toby pointed out spotted salamander eggs, another first time encounter for me. It was fascinating to see these white but transparent blobs nestled under the vernal pool. On our way back Toby found a garter snake mingling in the thickets. A few moments later, Alysha saw a baby garter snake with a bright green pattern camouflaged among the leaves.

The memorable moment of the day was when we came across a rattlesnake. Remember I’m afraid of snakes.

As I focused on scanning the area, a unique pattern caught my eye. Intrigued, I followed the pattern only to be met with the intense gaze of vertical dark eyes staring back at me. I called out to Alysha, “I found a snake. Is big.”

We sat there captivated by the tongue patterns and movements of the eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. Minutes passed, but the snake remained silent, dispelling the misconception of their inherently aggressive nature. Seeing the rattlesnake was really rewarding considering it is an endangered species. Understanding the species at risk that inhabit our nature reserves helps us make more informed decisions about how to protect them. With each passing moment, my fear gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of awe and respect for this remarkable creature.

We knew the importance of not stressing the snake any further, so with one last look, we withdrew from our kneeling positions on the wet grass and resumed our search for other species in the area.

As the day drew to a close, we captured memories of our adventure, both in photos and in our hearts. From climbing rocks in search of reptiles to savoring the taste of winter plants, every moment was a testament to the beauty and resilience of the natural world.

I ended the day by interviewing Morah. Watch the YouTube video to hear about her experience. What a special day it was and for someone who was terrified of snakes it was amazing.

If you want to find out more, take a look at our volunteer webpage. If you’d like to receive monthly updates on what we’re up to and opportunities to get involved, sign up to our newsletter by clicking here.

Danielle Houston is the Projects and Grants Coordinator at the Couchiching Conservancy.