While we were en route to the Oxbow overlook at the end of the park's lone highway, Jack spotted a bull snake sunning itself on the highway. How he saw it, given it's camouflage, I do not know. Always kind-hearted, Jack decided to stop and shoo the reptile into the grass so that it wouldn't get run over. First, however, there was the requisite photo opportunity to exploit.
The snake did not seem to be bothered much by our presence.
Look how well the snake matches it's environment as it tastes the air.
Jack decides to use my wedge to prod the bull snake to move along to safety.
The snake had other ideas. It coiled and attempted to strike. Unlike rattle snakes, Jack said, bull snakes can jump a good distance. They can grow to six feet in length and live 22 years. While they are not poisonous, a couple of fang holes would be unpleasant. We backed off, took a few more photos, and left it to it's fate.