even though not a rattler, it furiously twitched the end of its tail to make a strong rustling noise using the dry leaves
Found in a log we were splitting, I believe it was trying to hibernate for the winter
There were at least 15-20 found in this area, in and along a stream, under rocks.
Prettttttty sure this is a black rat snake, but I just don't know snakes well enough to say for sure!
Adult Eastern Newt in Shannon's Pond at JMF. Counted at least 30 newts this day.