When I spotted this medium-sized Garter Snake in a section of flower garden today, I was surprised it didn't flee instantly. But it was chilly so maybe it was just not able to muster the temperature-dependent energy to take its rapid leave. It was still coiled when I returned, camera in hand, and as I moved in, closer and closer, it held its ground. The serpent's only concession to my presence was that it started flicking its tongue outward, no doubt in an attempt to determine the nature of the disturbance in its immediate neighborhood. When I got close enough, I could see why, in all likelihood, it wasn't inclined to hightail it. The protective coverings of its eyes looked very cloudy, and my guess is that the snake was getting ready to shed its skin. Serpents in that state don't see very well and so tend to lay low and hope for the best.