Long report for short trip

[Tampico]

Their coloring appears to vary widely, presumably due to region, but I don't know that to be a fact.

A GIS will reveal pictures that match your friend exactly and others that differ in coloring quite a bit.

Incidentally, the Park Service acknowledges three reptile species on the island:

Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

and

Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

Thanks for the pictures!

[Tom]

I have noticed that the Red Bellies on the Isle seem to be "grayer" than the ones in my own yard and I normally see around here. The locals around here tend to be more brown. However, in both cases, their underside is unmistakeable. Maybe it's a diet thing.. Size/age might also come into play, but given it's the smallest adult snake found in these parts (Minnesota at least) 'adult' doesn't mean very big...

I'm loving the photos. Especially the aerials. Not a perspective we get to see too often. Thanks!