One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended. Happy caching!
The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is a subspecies of garter snake found in Florida. Garter snakes are common, non-venomous snakes found throughout most of North America. They are small snakes, rarely more than 2 ft long and weighing less than 1 lb. Their diet includes amphibians, earthworms, and small fish. They are also immune to most amphibian toxins, allowing them to catch and eat otherwise poisonous frogs, toads, and newts.
Garter snakes do have mildly poisonous saliva, but this should only cause swelling and itching in humans. If handled, garters often secrete foul-smelling glandular fluid.