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Reptiles & Amphibians

Can anyone identify this snake?

7 years ago

I found this in my back yard, I live in southern central PA. I am pretty sure this is skin which had been shed as I poked at it and there wasn't any firmness too it.

I saw a similar size sneak three days ago dart under my concrete back porch (there's a hole the size of an orange right next to the house).

I own a small dog and have a 1 year old as well as my neighbor's 9 month old who will be around the back yard. So long as this snake isn't venomous I won't be overly concerned but is still rather it not around. Should I be contacting the person who sprays for bugs around my house, or can I do anything on my own to have him stay elsewhere?

i do need to clean up some leaves near the bushes along the concrete as I've learned the snake likes those areas. I live in a residential community.

I hope someone can help. Thanks.

Featured Answer

Embothrium

7 years ago

Probably a garter snake. Looks like a carcass with the head removed and not a shed skin. Maybe the dog did it.

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Comments (7)

m_gold
Original Author
7 years ago
@Embothrium

can you suggest some type of "test" for me to set up near my concrete back patio? Something I can check in a couple days to see if I still have a snake issue or if that snake is dead and no longer my problem
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m_gold
Original Author
7 years ago
When a snake sheds skin, is it clear? Is that why you think this is a carcass?
Fori
7 years ago
No need for a test for a snake issue. That guy wasn't a problem (and he's definitely not going to be back). Even if you had a bunch of them, they're harmless and kind of cool.

Shed skins aren't quite clear but they are definitely thin and don't have the colors. They also have heads and no blood. :)

Google up "shed snake skin" images and you'll see that it's pretty obvious.
m_gold thanked Fori
m_gold
Original Author
7 years ago
I highly doubt my tiny dog would have done this. Is it possible a bird might have? Do birds attack sneak heads?

maybe my lawn mower?

Should i be worried about some other snake killing predator in my yard? Other than the crazy streaker who enjoys sneak heads as part of an afternoon snack? Lol
Fori
7 years ago
Ohhh lawn mower would be my bet (I wouldn't underestimate a tiny dog, but they tend to leave more holes).
User
7 years ago
This is a harmless eastern gartersnake, incapable of hurting you, your pets or children (unless you tried to swallow it and choked on it I guess?).

I wouldn't worry about it or its potential predator. How long have you lived there and how often has this happened? It isn't likely to happen again any more often and it doesn't represent any threat even if it was happening daily.

If you are afraid of snakes, then cleaning up under bushes, etc. is a good idea. It is also good not to feed birds or your pets outside as that attracts rodents, which attract snakes.

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