Secret Swamp

Today, I would like to talk about my secret location for studying animals.When keeping reptiles you may want to do some field studies. One might want to collect data or simply just enjoy the scenery. I like to choose a spot that is undisturbed by humans. I found a place like this, somewhere in the southern part of Arkansas. I will not disclose the exact location, that information is completely exclusive. Nature is the best place to observe reptiles and other forest life.

I know that not many people know about my secret swamp. The swamp is deep in the woods. Dead trees and leaves cover the forest floor as you approach. A few rays of light shine through the tree tops onto the forest floor. This is a great place to find a snake trying to absorb some of the suns heat. Surprisingly, there are only four snakes here in the United States that will hurt you. The snakes to watch out for are rattlesnakes, coral snakes, cotton mouths, and copper heads. I have yet to find a coral snake in my part of Arkansas. I have found some snakes like the banded water snake, big rat snakes, rattle snakes, speckled king snakes, mole king snakes, copperheads, and cotton mouths. My best find was a hognose snake and a mole king snake.

 

I usually find a couple snakes on the way to canoe, which is well hidden in the swamp. I always select a location that feels secure and secret. Leaving dollar bills attached to trees and the canoe helps me decide if a place is free of humans. I usually look for alligators once out on the water. I have seen gators in this swamp that were much larger than a canoe. I always thought it would be fun to find one of the big alligator nests. I have trained several of the gators and named them. I call my gators in and feed them a couple times a week. I usually bring a couple cups of dog food, but sometimes will spoil them with baloney. I also observe many types of ducks and woodpeckers. I usually don’t keep up with woodpeckers, until I came across an article about a woodpecker called the Ivory billed woodpecker. This bird is thought to be extinct. I can’t prove it with pictures, and I don’t even own a camera, but I’ve seen it a couple times. It seems to only appear when you’re not looking for it. I didn’t tell anyone, because they would want into my secret swamp. My hopes are that the Ivory will reproduce and start rebuilding its population. I enjoy seeing all the different reptiles in there undisturbed habitat. I think it’s good to have a place where you can go and observe nature.

Thanks for reading about my swamp

Michael Walker