I saw one outside last year and of course we let it go on it's way. I would love to have more around! This winter has proven there are plenty of mice ::shudder:: for them to feed on and I also have moles on the other side of the yard. Is there anything I can do to attract more (or should I even try?)
How to attract black snakes?
Hmmm... Up to you if it makes sense to try to attract snakes. I always figure that if I have a functioning habitat in my yard, predators and all, that's one less thing I have to be fooling with trying to "fix". But some people think that approach is a little chaotic o irresponsible. I can't speak from experience, we've always had a lovely balance of snakes and snake food without doing anything in particular, but in theory...
Food - You've got rodents. They may have taken the lead in the cold weather, because they are warmblooded and the snakes are coldblooded. The populations may balance out on their own once it warms up.
Water - As for any wildlife, so this will support the rodents as well as other reptiles and amphibians. A slope-sided pond or birdbath set in the ground where the snakes can reach it.
Shelter for themselves and their young - Snakes don't like to be out in the middle of a well-mowed lawn, since then anything can come along and prey on them. Tall grass, "weeds" (call 'em native wildflowers or something), a little pile of brush and dead leaves, etc. Also somewhere nearby where they can sun, a pile of flat rocks (so there's a little hidey hole, too) or even black plastic sheeting. They lay eggs loosely buried in leaves or in a burrowed in or under fallen log or such.
And of course, try to avoid broad spectrum pesticides.
Let us know what you decide to try and how it works out...
I have to agree about the black plastic sheeting. I have some underneath some tomato plants in my garden and 9 times out of 10 when ever I look under it there is a snake or two hanging out. Not that it looks all that nice though.
No snakes seen this year :( They do have hiding around the garden in the greater vinka along the side. There are also nice places to sun and plenty of water available. I don't use insecticides as a rule. I (unfortunately) live in the city... I am not sure there are that many around to begin with :(
Are you still seeing the mice? Maybe they ate them all and then left...
(I don't think I've seen a snake all year, either, come to think of it. Plenty of lizards, several different species...)
Unfortunately I have still seen mice outside and just know they will bbe attempting entry again soon :(
I have also seen lots of lizards this year when, in past years I have only seen one or two. Even saw a few fairly big ones (for this area). Maybe it was weather-related...
I am adding another water feature to the garden area specifically, maybe that will help next summer. I also hope the treefrogs we adopted and raised this year return!
Well if you are serious about attracting snakes . You mention you live in the city but you do not state how much land that you have . Your neighbors may not be welcoming of snakes as you are , most creatures need a range/territory to feel comfortable in . Food, shelter, water as mentioned are needed . Also mentioned is that snakes/reptiles are cold blooded , these hibernate in winter months . I suggest that you research the desired snakes in your area and see what they need/desire for the winter months . Try googling the words snake hibernacula/hibernacium . These can quickly be described as subteraneum chambers below the frost line in the ground but above any water levels . A start would be to construct a pit filled with rocks/boulders, wood chunks . Stuff that leaves lots of cavaties but holds temperatures more constant and above freezing . Cover this and leave something for portals .
That should be a start for ideas .