Kip’s Comments - August 3, 2026
The Squeak
As I was carrying camera equipment and my paddle off my dock this morning following an outing on the river, an unusual squeak caught my attention. On first glance I could not identify the source. After the second squeak I saw movement in the water along the river bank. I soon knew the sound of the squeak - a northern water snake had a large bullfrog in its mouth from a side bite.
The frog was fully inflated when I found the two locked in a predator/prey battle. The frog would do its best to push itself away while the snake would lift and roll the frog.
I don’t think the side bite on such a large frog was the best approach. Eventually the frog gave a good two-legged kick and escaped the jaws of the snake.
I put together a short video of the drama on the water. View the video by clicking on this link:
Northern Water Snake with Bullfrog - Image 1130748
Northern Water Snake with Bullfrog - Image 1130759
Northern Water Snake with Bullfrog - Image 1130770
Northern Water Snake with Bullfrog - Image 1130782
Northern Water Snake with Bullfrog - Image 1130794
Northern Water Snake with Bullfrog - Image 1130800 (frog jumping away from the snake)
I did shoot other photos today, in addition to snake vs frog images.
Canoeing the Wapsipinicon River - Aerial - Image 1130367
Backlit River Birch Leaves - Image 1130354
Cardinal Flower - Image 1130599
Until this morning I had never noticed moisture dripping from fungi. Now I have seen that too!
Fungus with Drop - Image 1130977
Canoeing the Wapsipinicon River - Image 1130466
