Snake Identification

[jennabelle]

I need help identifying this snake. I am in central Ohio. It was living in our septic tank (we normally just see garder snakes in there). DH put a stick down next to it and it quickly coiled it's tail around the stick. When he got it out of the septic tank it's "tail" stood up and "rattled" but I didn't notice a rattler on it. I didn't get a good look or picture of it's eyes so I couldn't tell you if the pupil was round or oblong. Any thoughts?

http://www.ejsmithweb.com/jen/snake.jpg


Thanks!
Jen

[nita]

That would be a cornsnake, perfectly harmless.

[jennabelle]

I didn't think there were cornsnakes in Ohio. hmmm

Thanks,
Jen

[Boakid]

its probably an escaped pet

[jennabelle]

It would have slithered a long way to get to us - we are kind of out in the country. It was so small too - maybe a foot long.

Jen

[mcfreshdeli]

I think southern ohio has them and this one just may have wound up there. or an escaped pet.

[jennabelle]

I am thinking now that it is an Eastern Milk Snake. Very pretty - whatever it is.

Jen

[Removed_2815]

Originally posted by jennabelle
I am thinking now that it is an Eastern Milk Snake. Very pretty - whatever it is.

Jen
Excellent identification! It certainly is an Eastern Milksnake and it is completely harmless (info (http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/search/speciesDetails_e.cfm?SpeciesID=714)).
Compare the head pattern to this runt of a snake that was found last weekend:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rbolton1/Folder/Picture%20004a.jpg
Cheers,
Ryan

[jennabelle]

It was the "Y" shape that made the determination once I started reading more. I hope it's happy in my back yard now instead of in my septic tank. lol Wow that guy is small!

[SCReptiles]

The corn does stop short of OH, but the eastern milk is found throughout the state. Corns and milks are mistaken for each other on a very regular basis. The “Y” on the head is usually the best distinguishing factor. Something that may interest you, those are notorious snake eaters. If you have those around your house, it’s not likely you will encounter any other snake species. You don’t seem to be a reptile enthusiast, so I just wanted to say thank you for returning it with its head still attached. =)

[jennabelle]

Yeah I wouldn't say I am a reptile enthusiast but I do have some level of respect for them. I also find them quite fascinating to watch. I watched a rather large garter snake explore my front garden yesterday for about 15 minutes. This was obviously the first eastern milk snake I have seen around, but I have had A LOT of garter snakes. 6 of which have actually made it into my house.