What Kind of Snake Is THIS?

[joedirt33]

It has a brown head if you zoom in. It's hole is right next to our house, and I think there's a lot more of them around. I live in Central Wisconsin.

[millertime89]

Looks like a bull snake but it's hard to tell. They hiss and strike but they're non-venomous if that is indeed what it is.

[poison123]

I'm seeing possible typical ratsnake patterns. Or maybe some sort of king.

[poison123]

Could also be a eastern milksnake.

[aaron_cg]

I'm thinking rat snake. Either way, harmless and definitely a good Snake to have around to kill of a rat problem you didn't know you had!

[FWK]

Everything mentioned already is a possibility but if I was to place a bet based just on those little pictures my money would be on a Western Fox Snake, which would be awesome! I've never seen one in person. Maybe you could upload the pictures to Photobucket and link them? We may be able to get a much better look that way.

[millertime89]

I'm seeing possible typical ratsnake patterns. Or maybe some sort of king.

Not in WI, only rattlesnake up there is the Timber and I don't believe Kings live that far north.

[FWK]

Not in WI, only rattlesnake up there is the Timber and I don't believe Kings live that far north.

Massasaugas are found in Wisconsin also but I'm pretty sure poison123 said Ratsnake lol. Your right about Kings though, I thought Prairie Kings were found up there but it looks like their range ends in northern Illinois.

[millertime89]

Huh... didn't realize Massasaugas ranged that far north either. I *THINK* you can see the tail in that pic and I definitely don't see the tail that is indicative of a Timber rattler.

[FWK]

I don't think I can see the tail but I really don't need to. It is not a Timber. The pattern, as poison123 noted, is typical Rat Snake. Not even close to a Timbers markings. Way to skinny to be a Timber anyway. The head along with the pattern and overall build is what makes me think it's a Western Fox.

[herpman]

Another vote for Western Fox Snake. Very cool and great to have around.

[wrecker45]

If this helps. This is an eastern fox. 29389

[joedirt33]

Figured it out guys! ...It is indeed a Western Fox Snake! Very cool! I left it be. He lives on the side of the house and will make a great pet for rodent control!!! :smug: Harmless and doesn't have venom.

Fun Fact: This one "rattled"/shook its tail like a rattle snake w/out the sound. I read that many of them get killed and mistaken for copperheads due to the head color and mistaken for rattle snakes due to that shaking of the tail.

Lived in Wisconsin all my life and never have ran into a Western Fox Snake. COOL looking snake!!

Thanks everyone for the help!

Kyle