Not all Wildlife is as big as a Moose!

Last November, when the Bondi Babes went on a nature hike, we found a garter snake in the back field. He was a friendly little guy, and spent some time with us before heading off about his business. Garter snakes are pretty little creatures. Even the genus name, Thamnophis -- means pretty snake. And no, snakes are NOT slimy, or cold, or nasty. Their presence is an indication of a balanced environment, and they will do you no harm whatsoever.

This year, on top of the lookout, we were lucky enough to find a salamander, like this one Quinn photographed earlier in the year. If you roll over pretty much any old wet log in the bush, you'll find these little chaps. Today's visitor was delighted to find himself in a nice warm palm! There are 21 species of Salamander in Canada. The adults all have four legs, but some of the species that live in the damp woods lack lungs, and breathe through their skin. They cannot hear, but can sense vibration. The fact that this little chap was out today speaks to how mild the weather has been for the beginning of November. Salamanders can't survive freezing, and hibernate for the winter deep in the leaf litter of the forest floor.

It's worth taking the time to check out our smaller neighbours on this planet. They're pretty amazing -- and while the big wildlife, such as deer, wolves and moose, get the glory, these smaller creatures are dazzling in their own right!