See a snake? Don't panic
It's the time of year when visitors to the forest preserves may encounter snakes, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reminds visitors that these animals pose little danger to humans.
"The eastern massasauga is the only venomous snake native to DuPage, and there haven't been any confirmed sightings in the wild here for 20 years," said district ecologist Dan Thompson. "Timber rattlers, copperheads and water moccasins live in other parts of the U.S., but they can't survive the area's cold winters, so they don't live here."
Sightings of the county's dozen or so species of snakes increase in the forest preserves during the summer, as snakes move across trails in search of food, and on cool but sunny fall days, when these reptiles bask on rocks and along trails to stay warm. Two in particular are often misidentified as venomous.
To the untrained eye, the western fox snake, a common species in forest preserves, bears some resemblance to a rattlesnake in coloration and size. And though it has no rattle, it may mimic rattlesnake behavior and make rattle sounds by rustling its tail in the grass or vegetation to frighten away an intruder. The fox snake is a blotchy brown, can reach up to four feet, lives in grassy environments and eats rodents, frogs and sometimes birds.
The northern water snake, a common inhabitant near lakes and streams, often is misidentified as a water moccasin. Though water snakes do become aggressive when handled, they pose no danger to people and will usually flee if startled. They can reach about four feet, vary in color from brown to brownish-black, and spend their time basking in the sun or hunting for small prey like fish, frogs and crayfish.
Other species common in the preserves are the eastern garter snake and the midland brown snake. Garter snakes are active in many environments and have distinctive yellow stripes down the length of their bodies, which can reach about two feet. Midland brown snakes are common but not often seen. They hide in leaf litter and are well-camouflaged by their coloration and small size.
"Midland brown snakes are particularly easy to overlook because they resemble a stick laying on the ground, so trail users need to take special care not to trample or ride over them when cool temperatures make them sluggish," Thompson said.
"There are about a dozen species of snakes that are native to DuPage County. Generally, snakes try to avoid interaction with humans so most people will never encounter them," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Jeff Redick, District 2.
"If you run across a snake in the preserves, take a moment to enjoy the experience of seeing a snake in the wild," said Joe Cantore, forest district president. "They are fascinating creatures and everyone should be able to appreciate their place in the environment."
Anyone who finds an injured snake should consult the district's Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The center cares for injured native species and strives to re-release them into wild spaces. Staff members answer questions daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (630) 942-6200 or willowbrook@dupageforest.org. After hours, an automated system provides information.