That's the one I thought, due to range, but the lack of a solid black head kept me from being sure. I reckon there's some variation in coloring, most likely? Sweet little snakes, aren't they? Of course, my favorite small snake is the rough green snake. They are such a lovely color, and very passive little guys, usually. And they have bright orange tongues, which really look pretty with their coloring. I've never seen one longer than about 2 feet, and usually much smaller, though my books says they can reach 45" or so. I like their pretty faces! Actually, it has been some years since I've seen one of these. I don't know if they are disappearing or not. Will have to look into that, or maybe Wayne knows, if he isn't tired of our snakey posts yet! Kate, is your crowned snake alive in the pics? Can't quite tell. Hope so! Marcia

Not sure why the message did not post, but again... we are having serious storms here. I want to send out a BIG THANK YOU!!! You are so unbelievably helpful! EG

Nice pattern on that hoggie; most of the ones I find around here are all-black melanistics. I love their cobra impersonations! Sharon McKenzie

If it were in AZ, I'd call it a 'bull snake". BIG, husky rodent-eating snake The tail tells me it's not a rattler :)