Can anyone tell what kind of snake this is????

[angelbill22]

OK. I found this snake in my back yard. Please forgive me {snake lovers} but I killed it. I have 3 babies that play in my yard, and not knowing what kind it is I can not take the chance!!! So can anyone tell me what it is, and if I should be on serious look out for something that will harm me or my family...or maybe next time just catch it and put it back in the "weeds" behind my house (assuming it is not poisonous). Thanks all. BTW, I am located in North Georgia...and have a small swamp behind my house...but thinking it may be pretty dried up do to recent drought situations....but lots of woods and weeds back there too!!! I have him in a jar if closer shot is needed!! Thanks in advance for ya'lls time, Carmela {\O/}

Ok not sure how to get my pic here...but I listed it here last night....

http://flickr.com/photos/98231900@N00/208744281/

[stangs13]

It looks like a ratsnake/colubrid, non-venomous. Maybe you could pick up a Georga snake book to have around so you know what it is next time and dont have to kill it.:rsmile: And even if you ome across a venomous snake call a local snake wrangler/"stieve Irwin" type guy to remove it.

[angelbill22]

Originally Posted by stangs13

It looks like a ratsnake/colubrid, non-venomous. Maybe you could pick up a Georga snake book to have around so you know what it is next time and dont have to kill it.:rsmile: And even if you ome across a venomous snake call a local snake wrangler/"stieve Irwin" type guy to remove it.

I actually did call, and was told $250 for them to come get it if it was out in the open, and $350 if they have to "find" it. Like I had said I really would just catch it and put back in the weeds if I had known...the only time I had seen a king/rat it was solid black with white on his belly. Not until today have I seen the different colors of them. Sorry if I "OFFENDED" all you snake lovers...but not gonna take the chance of my 1 yr old getting bit by a venomous snake in order to save a beneficial one!! Thanks for the positive id...next time I know!!!:thumbsup:

[redtails]

Oh that sucks it cost so much. Next time try either the fire department or the local herpetological society/association. They do those thing all the time for free.

[Reticsrule]

i dont know who you called but i wouldnt expect you to pay that kind of money. however there are TONS of snake people (even venomous snake people) in Georgia that would have gladly relocated it for you free of charge. go to www.envenomated.com and click on the "venomous experts" link. im sure any one of these people will glaly remove the snake for you for free.

[stangs13]

Next time just call them duke boys they always have snake bags and hooks on them:joker:

[crimsonking]

You killed a harmless black rat snake. He was eating rats and mice I would think.
If bothered they may strike, but if not molested will try and avoid people.
:Mark

[crucified]

i agree.. just a harmless Black Rat snake.... are they a protected species in the states? here in ontario canada they are on the threatened species list....

[snake 101]

looks like a black ratsnake to me