Nice Pictures! I can answer your question. That black snake is a black rat snake. Was that midland water snake (subspecies of the northern water snake) found at LaRue Road. I have never found a midland water there before. In fact I don't think I know anyone who has seen one there either. I'm sure they have a good population there, but it surprises me that you saw one. They generally inhabit lakes, creeks and rivers. One doesn't usually see a midland or northern water snake in cypress swamp. I have seen them up north in oxbow lakes. I did see a midland water snake at Mingo swamp in a ditch, but that is far as my northern water snake experience goes. Nice find. Ryan

During hot weather, I've caught the most Ratsnakes in the evening or dusk hours, or in the early morning just before daylight. At that time, they are more likely to be out crossing highways. It's the same with Cornsnakes. In cooler weather, you're more likely to find them out in the middle of the day. If you have anything flat lying around on the ground, like pieces of tin or plywood, check under it, since snakes like to hide under stuff like that during the day. Also, be alert to the behavior of wild birds in your yard, especially if you have Bluejays, Thrashers, or Mockingbirds, since they will raise an immense ruckus if they spot a snake! I've actually caught more snakes by going to where I heard a big commotion among the wild bird population than by any other means. Jays actually have a distinct alarm call for "SNAKE" that is different from their "CAT" or "HAWK" call, believe it or not. Sharon McKenzie

Nice picture and good call on the id! It is a Gray Rat Snake.

Last fall we found a fully grown rat snake in our chicken house (pic 1) You can see how big it is in the second pic after I grabbed it to evict it. It had come in through a couple of holes in the chicken yard fence that have since been closed. I didn't want it in there because I was afraid it might kill one of the hens if they got curious with it. Being constrictors it could easily do it even though my hens are too large to swallow. it now uses a large hole in one my live oaks for home and gives fits to the wild birds if they spy it going up or down that tree!.