Nancy- I'd love to see your snake but it states I don't have your permission or it's been removed when I click on your link. What's up??

Mary Ann

Mary Ann
I don't know. This is the first time I tried this. I could see the picture in the preview. I put it on my Skydrive, but apparently that doesn't let you see it - only me. Do you have any tips for me to make this so you can see it?

OK, I changed the permissions on my Skydrive so now maybe you can see it?

It's a Black Rat Snake or an Intergrade Black/Gray Rat Snake. They are harmless and non venomous.

Thanks so much for the info. I assumed it was harmless because it didn't match any of the pictures of the copperheads, etc., but it also didn't match anything else I saw either. This is probably the biggest snake I have ever seen in the wild, especially in the backyard. We have recently had a major decline in our chipmunk population and I am assuming it is due to our new resident. I appreciate all nature and don't mind him being around as long as he stays outside :)

You're welcome! Its a great picture of a very nice looking and also very large rat snake!

Thanks, Nancy! I can see him now- what a snake!

Nancy, it is a Black Rat Snake, a climbing snake that is a rodent eater, catching them with powerful coils and squeezing them to death. They are the same species as the Gray Rat Snake; Wayne was hedging his bets, since they interbreed, and many Black Rat Snakes look like Grays and vice versa!
They are nice to have around, as they will keep rodent populations in check, and are very laid back and actually make wonderful pets too, though I don't keep snakes taken from the wild anymore. Many of them will allow you to pick them up in the wild, and tame down immediately, and even if they bite, a wash and antiseptic (I don't, but really should) on the bite will make it disappear in a day or so.

One of my favorite snakes!

Well, now you all have me completely confused but yet totally facinated about snakes. I have read all 22 pages of postings on this forum and it seems that Rat Snakes are by far the most common backyard snakes (and maybe garter snakes which I was already familiar with). So how do you tell the difference between a Black Rat and a Gray Rat and why do you think this is a Black Rat and not an Intergrade Black/Gray. I also saw another snake the other day, about 4 feet long and just solid black, so I am assuming Black Rat Snake (no camera handy). So, although I'm interested in learning more, I don't think I am ready to try to catch one. I know that they have their proper place in our eco-system and I am happy to leave them be outside as long as they aren't dangerous to me or my little dog (my fish and frogs in my fishpond, however, may not be as lucky?) This looks like a very interesting hobby. We also had a snake a couple of years ago that everytime we saw him he would dive into the fishpond. I haven't seen him lately.

So, if I see a snake in the yard, like the Rat Snake, is it more likely he lives here or more likely he's just passing through?