Snakes in North Coventry

Two snakes have been reported to Coventry Wildlife.  One was seen while a resident of coventry lake was mowing their yard.  This was a garter snake.  The other snake was reported with a different story.  A large black snake was reported when a local coon hound dog had it attached to its ear and the body of the snake was wrapped around the dog's neck!  Picture that.  Both snakes are non venomous.  The black snake was about 4 feet long.

Spiders abound!

Many spiders have been reported to Coventry wildlife the past week.  Spiders love moist areas.  Many times you will find them in your basement due to the increased moisture found there.  You can often see many spiders and their eggs in the mulch around your house because mulch retains moisture.  The most common type of spider in our area is called a wolf spider and they can be big. 

Field mice in an umbrella!

A field mouse was seen in an umbrella at Coventry Lake this week.  The mouse was under the umbrella at the top in the little pocket that allows the umbrella to open.  In North America, breathing dust that has come in contact with mouse excrement has been linked to hantavirus which may lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).  Mice are primarily nocturnal animals that rely on other senses outside of eyesight.  Vision is not one of their best senses.  The picture below is from google images as the mouse scared the homeowner. 

Butterflies seen at Coventry Lake

Two different types of butterflies have been dominant this summer at Coventry Lake.  The yellow swallow tail butterfly and the monarch butterfly have both been seen in great numbers.  The swallow tail gets its name by the two small swallows on the rear of the wings.  The monarch butterfly migrates a tremendous distance.  They are the only butterfly that migrates north and south.  Around the first week in August the butterfly will start to migrate south toward Mexico and make its way back here in the spring.  The photos are courtesy of google images. 

Monarch Butterfly

Swallowtail butterfly

Got Eggs?

House finch eggs were seen in a patio fern this week.  The eggs are much smaller than Robin eggs and are white in color.  There are four potential house finches in this nest.  The house finch is one of the most common birds to visit a back yard.  The Male's forehead, bib and rump are red in color as the females are a dusky brown on their entire body.  The house finch has been found in the most densely populated areas in the world including large cities such as Philadelphia and New York.

Photo take by Rich Kolka

Rabid Animals Seen During Summer Time

There have been reports of a few rabid animals during this summer.  One was a raccoon seen at Marsh Creek State Park and the other was a rabid cat seen at Coventry Lake.  How can you tell if an animal has Rabies?  First if any animal is overly friendly or does not scatter when you approach it, that could be a sign.  The most obvious sign is if an animal such as a raccoon who is nocturnal is seen during the day light hours.  This would most certainly mean a rabid animal.  The picture below is courtesy of google images.

Tree frogs seen at Coventry Lake

A gray tree frog was seen at Coventry Lake this week.  The frog was stuck to a sliding glass door and when the door was opened the frog jumped directly onto the person leaving the door!  It was awesome!  The frog stood still long enough to have its picture taken.  The gray tree frog's scientific name is Hyla chrysoscelis.  It has a cream colored ventral or belly surface and its back or dorsal surface can range from gray to light green.  They are abundant in PA. 

Photo taken by Rich Kolka