Chicago Garter Snake in Defensive Posture (Figure-8)

I found this little beauty while searching for snakes for about 2 hours at a local forest preserve. He was basking in the warm sunshine on a steep wooded hillside when I found him. He is beautiful! In this photo you can see how he uses his tongue to smell and keep a bead on the environment around him. You can also see that typical figure-8 position, ready to strike and defend himself at any given moment. Absolutely gorgeous!