Snake Week
We believe in celebrating the rich biodiversity of Michigan's ecosystems. Snake Week is dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation for these important creatures that play a vital role in our environment.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Photo by: Beth Weiler
Why Snake Week?
Snakes are often misunderstood and feared, but they are crucial to the balance of our local ecosystems. By shedding light on their unique behaviors, habitats, and contributions to our natural world, we aim to eliminate stereotypes and foster a sense of appreciation.
Join Us for Snake Week
We will be celebrating snakes in person and online throughout the week of July 13-19, 2025. For our in-person visitors, we have snake images posted, snake-themed activity sheets available at our front desk, a snake-themed natue play pop-up, snake-themed Wonder Walks on Sunday and Wednesday. Additionally, on Thursday, July 17th, we welcome a team from the UM Museum of Zoology, who will showcase live snakes, skulls, and other educational items, providing a hands-on learning experience. Join us to celebrate these remarkable creatures and discover the vital roles they play in our ecosystem.
July 13th - July 19th
Activity Sheets and Stickers: Swing by the front desk to pick up a fun, snake-themed activity sheet and don't forget to ask for your FREE Snake Week sticker!
Sunday, July 13th
Wonder Walk - Hidden Habitat Walk with Natural Areas staff through rich and diverse ecosystems that host the elusive Massasauga rattlesnake, a species delicately balanced between survival and vulnerability. Learn about the life history of the Massasauga, including its unique adaptations and its vital role in the ecosystem. Closed-toe shoes are required. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens, July 14th at 1:00 PM.
Tuesday, July 15th
Nature Play Popup - Snake Clay Play Join us to play with loose parts, earthenware clay, play dough, and friends as we create, play, and think about our marvelous, helpful snake friends. At Gaffield Children's Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, July 15th at 10:00 AM.
Wednesday, July 16th
Wonder Walk - Lives of Local Snakes Join us for a guided walk to learn about snakes native to Southeast Michigan, hosted by researchers with the Davis-Rabosky Herpetology Lab. Guides will share insights into the life histories of these often-misunderstood creatures, highlighting their unique adaptations and survival strategies. Learn about their preferred diets and the vital ecological roles they play in maintaining balanced ecosystems. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens, July 16th at 5:30 PM.
Thursday, July 17th
Live Encounters and Exploration with UM Museum of Zoology: Get up close and personal with some live snakes and examine a variety of 3D-printed snake body parts, skins, and more. July 17th, 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
July 13 -July 19th
Snakes do it faster, better: We invite you to explore the incredible evolutionary journey of snakes in this short video. Discover how snakes have undergone a remarkable adaptation, diversifying into numerous species with unique colors, behaviors, and ecological roles. Video courtesy of Michigan News.
Snakes of Michigan
Meet some of Michigan’s native snakes and learn why these fascinating reptiles deserve a closer look!
Eastern Milk Snake
(Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)
The Eastern Milk Snake has a blotchy pattern, with spots that are reddish in hue and have a distinct black outline. It is a nocturnal hunter and lives in a diverse array of habitats, favoring open woodland and meadows. During the day, it seeks retreat, often resting under woodpiles and in barns. The latter habit lends its odd name, as it was once fabled to drink milk straight from cows' udders, a feat incompatible with snake physiology. In reality, its diet consists of small mammals, amphibians, and other snakes.
Image: Beth Weiler
Eastern Garter Snake
(Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
The Eastern Garter Snake is a small, docile snake that lives in various habitats, often in open meadows and old farm fields. It subsists mainly on earthworms, occasionally branching out to eat other small amphibians and insects. The snake gets its name from its striped pattern, which resembles old-fashioned sock garters.
Image: Beth Weiler
Northern Red-bellied Snake
(Storeria occipitomaculata)
The Northern Red-bellied Snake, sometimes called a “fire snake,” is a small woodland species. Its belly can range in hue from red to pinkish orange. This snake prefers mesic forest habitats, where it can hide beneath rocks and logs, occasionally emergingto bask. It feasts on slugs, earthworms, and other soft-bodied insects.
Image: Nick Scobel
Blue Racer
(Coluber constrictor foxi)
The Blue Racer is a large snake with ethereal bluish-teal skin and a black mask around its eyes. It lives in edge habitats, preferring savannas, open fields, and shorelines. There, it feasts on various species, including insects, rats, and other snakes.
Image: Nick Scobel
Butler’s Garter Snake
(Thamnophis butleri)
Butler’s Garter Snake (Thamnophis butleri)
Butler’s garter snake resembles the eastern garter snake but can be distinguished by its dark lateral stripe, smaller size, and undefined neck. Less common than the Easter Garter Snake, it is considered a species of concern. These small snakes inhabit wetlands and prairies and spend most of their time underground, living on earthworms and other small insects. Like the massasauga, these small snakes retreat to winter hibernacula in crayfish or rodent dens.
Image: Nick Scobel
Northern Brown Snake
(Storeria dekayi dekayi)
The Northern Brown Snake, also known as Dekay’s Brown Snake, is a secretive, small, terrestrial snake found in various habitats, from forests to grasslands to agricultural fields. It is nocturnal and subsists mainly on earthworms and slugs.
Image: Nick Scobel