Tag: reproduction

Eastern Garter Snakes: Mating Balls & Sex in the Trees

Mar 4, 2014

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by

Nicolette Cagle

in Animals

Last week, Duke Forest staff photographed Eastern Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) intertwined on the forest floor. They had a discovered a “mating ball” of small males vying for the chance to fertilize a mature female. Other garter snake species are better known for their mating balls, including the Red-Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis). In…
Eno River State Park (Few’s Ford Access): Cox Mountain Trail (Durham, North Carolina)

Mar 8, 2009

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by

Nicolette Cagle

in Field Notes

Overview: Eno River State Park hosts a number of easy to moderate trails, and a few more difficult ones, for the weekend hiker. If you’re looking for a challenging hike through a variety of Piedmont habitats, try the Cox Mountain Trail. This 3.75-mile loop begins at the Few’s Ford picnic area and quickly descends to…