Scientific Name: Pseudacris crucifer
Common Name(s): Spring Peeper

©Peter Paplanus

Identification:
The spring peeper is a small tree frog that ranges from 0.98 to 1.5 inches in length at maturity. Their coloration ranges from shades of brown to dark gray, but temperature and other conditions can cause this coloration to vary. A distinct X-shaped pattern on their back makes this species easy to identify. Female spring peepers tend to be slightly larger and lighter in color than males. Males have a flap under their throat where the vocal pouch is located. This flap can be darker during the breeding season, when the males are calling to attract mates.

Range:
Pseudacris crucifer is native to eastern North America, and they can be found from Manitoba, Canada to Florida.

Ecology:
The spring peepers are carnivorous. They eat small insects and other small arthropods (i.e. ants, beetles, ticks, mites, and spiders). When spring peepers are in their tadpole stage, they graze on algae or decaying plant material in ponds and pools. Due to their diet, spring peepers play a strong role in forest ecosystems by controlling the insect population. Since they require ponds and pools to breed, they live in forests near wetlands.

As their common name implies, males make a chirping call in spring to attract a mate. Spring peepers are among the first frogs in the region to vocalize in the spring. Females lay between 750 and 1300 eggs. The eggs are laid in small clusters under vegetation in a wetland. Once the tadpoles hatch, they take 2-3 months to transform into a frog and move out of the aquatic habitat into the forest.

Spring peepers start breeding after their first year. Females are attracted to males with a certain volume and speed of call. Older and larger males have faster and louder calls, which are considered more attractive by females. Some males called “satellite males” do not make calls but position themselves near calling males to intercept females. Not all calls made by spring peepers are for mating. They also vocalize when fighting, after rain, and before hibernation.

Spring peepers are active from the end of winter until late fall when they dig into the ground to begin hibernation. They hibernate under logs and debris. In the northern reaches of the spring peeper’s habitat range they come out of hibernation before freezing temperatures have ended. Their bodies tolerate subfreezing temperatures down to about 18°F.

Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, spring peepers are the first frogs we will hear in spring. You might think you are hearing sleigh bells or car alarms, but when you hear the telltale “Peep peep!”, it means the spring peepers have come out of hibernation and spring has arrived.

Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus
Common Name(s): Ring-necked snake

Ring-necked Snake ©Brian.gratwicke

Ring-necked Snake Defensive Posture ©Glenn Bartolotti

Identification:
Ring-necked snakes are easily identifiable by the white, yellow, red, or orangish band around the neck. Dorsal colorations are olive, brown, bluish gray, or smoky black. Sometimes the band around neck is broken and hard to distinguish. Ventral coloration is generally yellowish orange to red with crescent-shaped black spots on the margins. Ring necked snakes are very small, with adults averaging 10-15in long. Although they are slightly venomous, their docile temperament and rear-facing fangs mean they pose no threat to humans. They have a unique defense posture whereby they curl up, exposing their belly, and “play dead.”

Range:
Ring-necked snakes are found throughout the United States, central Mexico, and southeastern Canada.

Ecology:
Ring-necked snakes can be found in a variety of habitats, preferring areas with cover and denning locations. For example, they are often found under shrubs surrounded by leaf litter, under rocks, or under woody debris. Open woodlands, hillsides, and the edges of water bodies all make good habitat for ring-necked snakes. Any burrows they may make can be communally shared, and will be deep enough to protect from the heat of the summer and the freezing temperatures of winter.

They are carnivorous, with their diet primarily consisting of small salamanders, earthworms, and slugs while occasionally consuming small lizards, frogs, and juvenile snakes of other species. Prey are subdued with constriction and envenomation. They are active during the night or twilight hours, meaning they are nocturnal or crepuscular.

Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, ring-necked snakes are a common creature in gardens, especially those with leaf litter or mulch. They can also be found in the many wooded areas around Bella Vista, often under leaves, woody debris, or rocks. Although they are harmless, it is never suggested to handle wildlife. Best to leave them be so they can eat pest species like garden slugs!

Scientific Name: Vulpes vulpes
Common Name(s): Red Fox

Red fox, photo by NRCN Hal Winters

Identification:
Red foxes get their name from their striking red fur. Red and grey foxes often get mistaken for one another due to the overlap in habitat and patches of red and grey fur in both. Red foxes have white tipped tails, while grey foxes usually have black tipped tails. Grey foxes also tend to be grey and black in overall color. Red foxes are also generally larger in size than grey foxes. Adults average 14-20 in high at the shoulder, 18-35 in long, not including tails, and weigh 5-31 lbs.

© Carlwev

Range:
Red foxes are widespread across the northern hemisphere, including Eurasia and North America. They originated in Eurasia and migrated to North America in two waves. The first wave was around 400,000 years ago and the second around 10,000 years ago. This has led to controversy as to whether the North American red fox should be classified as a separate species. Red foxes have also been introduced to Australia, where they are considered an ecologically devastating invasive species.

Before 1700 Northwest Arkansas represented the eastern boarder of the coyote’s range. The decline of the red wolf population and agricultural practices which creates more open habitat has allowed the coyote to expand its range to the east coast. As a result, red fox populations have experienced local declines.

Ecology:
Red foxes are highly adaptable and can inhabit forests, wetlands, grasslands, and suburban areas. They are known for being smart and cunning, making them great scavengers. Red foxes are relatively common in urban areas close to wooded areas and fields. This allows them access to natural foods, as well as human waste products and trash.

The lifespan of the red fox ranges from 2-5 years in the wild, but they can live up to 15-20 years in captivity. Mating occurs during the winter, with kits being born in the spring. The average litter size is six kits, but litters can be as large as 13 kits. Red foxes are thought to be largely monogamous. Red foxes are highly social, and may live in large shared family territories, with relatives caring for the dominant female’s kits. After a year or two, young foxes may move away from the family group if there is a good chance of gaining their own territory.

Red Foxes are omnivores with a variable diet. They will scavenge or prey on a variety of animals including small mammals, insects, reptiles, and fish. They will also readily consume various fruits, seeds, tubers, and grasses. Human garbage is also scavenged by red foxes in urban areas.

Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, foxes can be seen near any of the many wooded areas, especially around dawn and dusk. They can also be seen crossing the golf courses at these times. Bella Vista is a haven for the red fox. Varied habitat offered in neighborhoods, undeveloped wooded property, and power line right of ways offers perfect hunting and scavenging grounds for foxes. Although coyotes are present in our city, they are more wary and stay further away which offers foxes some protection.

Mange appears to be a chronic problem with the local fox population. Mange is the result of mites that can be transferred through social interactions and is often transferred to kits in the den. Foxes can carry most diseases common in dogs such as distemper, rabies, and parvo. Residents should limit pet interactions with foxes by feeding pets indoors.

Scientific Name: Nerodia Sipedon
Common Name: Northern watersnake, common watersnake

Northern Watersnake ©Suzanne Collins

Comparison of Copperhead and Northern Watersnake ©Suzanne Collins

Cottonmouth ©Suzanne Collins

Identification:

Northern watersnakes are common nonvenomous snakes. They can frequently be seen basking on rocks near the water’s edge. Northern watersnakes are typically tan to light brown in color with dark brown to black banded spots; however, they can also appear nearly black. The typical coloration along with the banding pattern often leads to these snakes being confused for copperheads. Despite their similarity, the two snakes can be distinguished easily. Whereas the copperhead has hourglass shaped bands on its body, the watersnake has a reverse hourglass shape, with the large part of the mark over the center of the back. The copperhead head and snout are angular with sharp features, while the watersnake head and snout are round and smooth. Copperheads also have distinct slitted pupils, while watersnakes have large round pupils. The coloration also differs in vibrancy. The copperhead is always a metallic copper color, while the watersnake is much more drab and browner in color. Finally, these two snakes live in different habitats, with copperheads generally living in the forest under logs, while watersnakes live in burrows on the banks of waterbodies. Unfortunately, because of where the watersnake lives and because some individuals have an almost black color, they are often mistaken for yet another venomous snake, the cottonmouth. The cottonmouth, like the copperhead, has an angular head with sharp features, as well as slitted pupils. The cottonmouth is generally a much larger bodied snake than the watersnake and has different color patterns, but often is so dark in color that patterns are hard to distinguish. Northern watersnakes can grow to 4-5ft long with females weighing 5-14oz.; males are somewhat smaller.

Northern Watersnake Range Map

Range:

The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) can be found throughout much of eastern and central North America. It was also introduced to California and is now considered an invasive species due to possible competition with the native giant garter snake.

Ecology:

Active during the day and night, the northern watersnake spends much of its time basking near the edges of waterbodies. They can live near any freshwater source that supports enough food. They use their keen smell and sight to hunt for fish, frogs, worms, leeches, crayfish, salamanders, small birds, and small mammals. Natural predators of northern watersnakes include foxes, coyotes, racoons, opossums, birds of prey, and snapping turtles. Juveniles are typically more in danger of predation then are adults.

Northern watersnakes are ovoviviparous (live bearing) and mate from April to June. The females carry the eggs inside their bodies and can birth up to thirty young at a time, averaging eight. Young are typically 7-9 inches upon birth. Young are born between August and October and there is no parental care. It takes northern watersnakes on average four years to reach sexual maturity.

Special Notes:

Here in Bella Vista, northern watersnakes can be observed near our lakes and golf course ponds, as well as around the various streams and creeks. They are easily spooked and will dive into and under the water at the slightest provocation. Although generally perceptive, a basking watersnake is relatively easy to sneak up on as they bask in the sun along the water’s edge. People and snakes are often startled because the snake doesn’t move until the person gets close. Remember, the snake would rather get away then try to fight. Although they are nonvenomous, if cornered, they will strike furiously to intimidate their attacker long enough to escape. While doing so, they often emit a foul-smelling musk. Many people fear snakes; however, they provide a valuable ecosystem service in the form of pest control, while also being generally harmless to humans. If you have any questions about snakes or need a snake identified, don’t hesitate to call the Lakes and Parks Department for assistance (479-855-5060).