Sharon, I am a devoted snake lover and hate to see dead snakes posted like this, but I always consider the bigger picture and benefit of responding positively. Amylynn had a serious concern if the snake was dangerous or not. If she didn't, she wouldn't have posted it here. Remember, the real "snake haters" of the world will kill the snake and not really care if was venomous or not because "the only good snake is a dead snake". They don't post questions. The people posting questions are trying to gain information so they can make more informed decisions in the future. Criticizing people here for seeking information may be counterproductive. Hopefully, Amylynn will NOT kill the next racer she finds because of the help she gained here. So even though this racer died, it may have died for a cause.

A baby Timber rattler would have a small rattle, or at least a button, on the tip of it's tail. Rattlers also have wider spacing on the blotches and a light head with a dark streak. http://kylehorner.blogspot.com/2010/10/pit-vipers.html has a good young one. I'm not familiar with the non-venomous snakes of that area, but it might be a juvenile ratsnake. Here is a link that might be useful: Snakes of VA

Definitely not a pygmy rattlesnake. What you have there is a black ratsnake (Pantherophis [Elaphe] obsoleta). That is a hatchling or juvenile (as evidenced by its vivid pattern). They're harmless animals and actually good to have around as they eat a number of rodent species...granted they also are quite fond of birds. The way you described as finding is also very typical of the species, as black rats are highly arboreal. ~Mike

Very gravid(pregnant) and harmless female Northern Water Snake(Nerodia sipedon). These feed on fish and amphibians and are harmless, although if grabbed or handled roughly, they will bite in self-defense and spray foul-smelling musk. She is probably seeking a sheltered spot to give birth, since she looks like she's about to explode! I keep and breed several species of Nerodia, including these, as pets, and they tame down very quickly if handled gently. You have nothing to worry about from this girl.