In Massachusetts we have 14 species of snakes. Most of them are non venomous but we do have 2 that are, the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern copperhead. They are endangered, so you aren't likely to see one and prefer rocky, forested hillsides. They are carnivores which means they eat meat. Their diet varies between species Snakes are ectotherms which means they cant regulate their body temperatures like humans do and have to use their environment like sun bathing to keep warm or going underground to keep cool. Snakes tend to avoid people and typically only bite when picked up, stepped on, or feel threatened. Snakes breed in the warmer months, most in spring and have young in the summer. Some species lay eggs while others give birth to live young. Snakes look for shelter in the fall and it is not uncommon for different species of snakes to live together during the winter. Snakes never stop growing and need to shed the skin they've outgrown.

Check out Mass Audubon Society to learn about the individual snakes

Here in Massachusetts there are 10 species of turtles. The vary in size from 3 inches long to 19 inches long. A lot of turtles are aquatic which means they live in the water how ever they all breathe air and lay their eggs on land. Turtles will always go back to where they hatched to lay their own eggs sometimes even traveling miles to get there. They lay their eggs underground a hole they dug in the summer. Some species will even dig "false nests" to serve as a deterrent for predators and after 2 or 3 months the turtles hatch underground and dig their way to the surface and head towards their preferred habitat. You may spot a turtle sun bathing on logs, rocks or other similar surfaces this helps their muscle activity and digestion and encourages leeches or other parasites that may be on the turtle to drop off.

To learn more about the 10 individual species in Massachusetts please visit Mass Audubon Society.