more pictures including an old furnace
Peter

Peter,
Looks like a great time! Nice shots.
Is that a Black Racer snake? I've posted a few photos of them in Harriman State Park,
just south of Bear Mountain.
Tony

Racer snake? If I saw him I would run away, hope I'm in a different class. I like snakes from a distance or in pictures. Up close not so much. Even if I know they are not poisonous.

I think you're right Tony. In the South we call 'em "Coachwhips"...or coachwhip snakes. Black racer is also used. Suckers are fast...and mean if ya' try and hold one!
Best, Capt. Chris

Hi Tony
I just call them black snakes, I don't really know what kind they are. I see them and the timber rattlesnakes mostly.
It was a great day to be out

Peter

Peter--

Interesting that you mention seeing timber rattlers on your hikes. I am curious whether your dogs avoid them?

I have a friend who lives in central PA who says that they feed the birds, the rodents come to eat the bird seed, and the rattlers come to eat the rodents--and he kills the rattlers for their skins.

We see large black snakes both here in Ohio and at our place in Florida--and after the series of photos showing one eating a rattlesnake I am glad to have them around! We have a couple of dogs--and the border terrier doesn't back down--so I keep hoping none of the poisonous snakes come around when we are in Florida.

Larry

Larry
Generally the snakes are not right on the trail and the dogs don't seem too interested in them. They are very interested in furry creatures though. Many areas where I see snakes are protected areas for reptiles and amphibians. I believe that you need a permit to kill rattlesnakes here in PA. Unless one was in my yard (very unlikely) I leave them alone and we don't bother each other

Peter

Beautiful day on Saturday so we went on a hike in the Quehanna wild area about 90 minutes north of my house. It is not uncommon to see some of the Pennsylvania elk herd there, but no such luck this time. Hike started at a pond know for good wildlife viewing and passed by several streams which the boys enjoyed.

Peter

Absolutely Beautiful Country, Peter!
Thanks for posting.
Tony

Peter, thanks for posting so many great pics. of your outdoor adventures. I have to admit that I never envisioned PA as having so many beautiful nature areas!

Are the leaves almost gone? We have passed peak here, but even at 3000 ft, still have lots of color. All of your trees look "neckid"!