Thank you, Wayne! I had no idea what the underside of a BWS looked like. Now I know. When I saw the comparison photo above, I was pretty sure it wasn't the mud snake we originally guessed. I reckon I need to know what our snakies look like from beneath...though to be sure, when you are seeing that side, the snake is usually not a threat any longer, if it ever was to start with. I knew I could count on you or one of the others from the Reptile forum to let us know on this one. Poor little snakey guy. So many people just don't understand, sadly. Thanks again, and I will remember this pattern! Marcia

I just made it to the computer today for a brief moment, and what do I find? A snake ID! Love it! Gary, I can't see this picture as clearly as I would like, but I THINK this is a pine snake. I hope Wayne stops by for a quick look to confirm or correct me, but that's my best guess. And for sure, it is NOT anything poisonous, so no worries on that score. It doesn't look quite red enough for our corn snake, somehow, but it does look like a pine, as far as I can tell. Also called a bullsnake or gopher snake. Nice! Marcia

Got it! Catalina Ironwood.

Nice looking snake! It's an Eastern Garter Snake with poorly defined stripes. It's a pretty neat looking snake. Very nice pattern and coloration.