Snow snake (folklore)
In American folklore, the snow snake is a fearsome critter that, unlike other reptiles, can live in cold temperatures and is only active during winter months. Standard depiction As with any subject of folklore, details about the snow snake vary depending on the storyteller. However, most accounts purport that the snow snake is a highly venomous, white-colored serpent that lives in the snow. Occasional details have been offered regarding the eyes of a snow snake such as them being blue or pink in color. The snow snake's white coloration is said to make the animal nearly indiscernible to any observer against freshly laid snow. Hence, snow snakes held a prominent place in regional practical jokes played on those unfamiliar with the outdoors. Habitually, unexplained markings in the snow were attributed to snow snakes as part of the joke. The name snow snake may have been derived from a Native American winter sport of the same name. Variations Author J. E. Rockwell in a 1910 article entitled, "Some Lumberjack Myths," published in The Outer's Book, a nature journal, makes express mention of snow snakes but describes them as freezing in the winter time rather than thriving in it. Rockwell adds that