First of all, I live and let live. I make an exception if something is in my yard that will hurt my family. We have about 6 acres of land and if a snake is no threat then it is left alone. If it is poisonous and is within 30 feet of our house I then take care of it. I do not want my children to be bitten by a poisonous snake. We have numerous copperheads near our house. I do kill those. The black rat snake mimicked a rattler. It raised and shook it's tail and rustled the leaves making a rattler sound. I thought it was a rattler til I did a search and found out rattlers are not black. I then researched and discovered that a black rat snake mimics a rattler when threatened. Now that I now he is not a threat, we will coexist. I have numerous bluebirds that have their own nests in the bushes. ( no man made house) I am sad to say the snake has probably eaten their eggs. While I am sad he is probably eating my favorite birds, I have no issue with him unless he tries to bite one of us.

Hahahaha...thats funny.....Your kitty probably thought it was too, so don't be surprised if she doesn't try to scare you this way again....just don't fall for it next time!....hahahaha....Take care...GardenLove

Even though Rat Snakes do dine on small mammals I have not heard of one attacking a cat which would be about four times as large as a chipmunk, or more. Also, contrary to some myths, these snakes do not wrap themselves around prey and squeeze as a constrictor would. While they do wrap themselves around tree branches that is to hold on and is not a means of obtaining prey. Here is a link that might be useful: About Rat Snakes

In CT, spring is not here yet. Is there anyway to encourage snakes to take up residence on my property (maybe not the copperheads)? I have an overabundance of moles, voles and mice and would much prefer snakes!