Steven Helmer Publications

At first, I thought this snake was dead because, even though I didn't spot it until I was almost on top of it, it didn't budge. Plus, I couldn't find its head (it's not uncommon to find beheaded snakes after they mow the paths). However, as it turns out, it was still alive. It was just busy trying to catch a grasshopper that had hidden itself in the dirt. It pretty much ignored me as a result. But, unfortunately, I couldn't get a better photo because, by the time I got in a better position, it had its lunch and was slithering into the taller grass.

When I first saw this little guy (or girl) while on my walk at lunch today, I thought it was dead. I walked right up on it and it didn't budge. However, when I (gently) tapped it with my foot and its head moved, I was able to confirm it was still alive. It must have just been too young to know better than to scurry away from a human. I was able to get some photos of it and then left it alone to figure out its path on its own. I didn't have a quarter (or any other change) with me so I included a photo of the turtle next to my keys for scale.