Snake Identification?

DDW · 05-08-18, 07:05 PM

Hello there,

Today I saw a snake in my yard, just going along it's way, and I thought it was pretty. Getting closer and I, loving snake's and thinking this one was pretty, I got a couple pics of it. Unfortunately, my house has a no (outside) snake policy (other than ribbon snakes and speckled king snakes, which are common and easily distinguishable) so this one ended up dead.

I know some will probably say it would have been fine without, but it's still not my decision. Obviously I do not know what this snake is, and I couldn't tell those that made the decision what it was.

Now the question is, what is it (I'm thinking some sort of colubrid by it's body and head shape), is it venomous(I suspect not, but it's better safe than sorry), and how many more could there be. However, all I ask is for a identification, and I'm happy.

Thank you all for your help! I will include some pictures which you may use as reference below.

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Edit:
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I realize I left out an important piece of information. This snake was found in Northern Louisiana.
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kudzu · 05-08-18, 08:25 PM

Western rat snake?

Bandit · 05-08-18, 08:54 PM

Fellow Louisianan here. It's a Western Rat Snake. Nonvenomous, and quite beneficial to have around (unless you keep chickens!). Typically they'll max out at around 4-5 feet, but 6 feet is not uncommon and they could grow beyond that. If handled, some individuals can be a bit bitey, but other than that they are harmless.

DDW · 05-08-18, 09:20 PM

Thank you both, it's nice know, especially for future reference. Maybe now I'll be able to save more of these beauties knowing what they are. I just wish I were better at identifying them on my own DX

craigafrechette · 05-09-18, 03:56 AM

So an innocent, harmless snake died for no reason.

DDW · 05-09-18, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

So an innocent, harmless snake died for no reason.

Like I said above in the original post, it was not up to me. Now that I do know, I may be able to save them in the future. (all of which I have already stated).

Bandit · 05-09-18, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

So an innocent, harmless snake died for no reason.

Craig, is this sort of thing uncommon where you live? At least the OP is trying to learn how to identify them to prevent any more from being killed. That's more than a lot of folks are willing to do.

craigafrechette · 05-09-18, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDW

Like I said above in the original post, it was not up to me. Now that I do know, I may be able to save them in the future. (all of which I have already stated).

Sorry, i wasn't blaming you. Just stating that's it's unfortunate. Please know I meant nothing towards you. I apologize for the confusion.

For my curiosity, who is responsible for making that Call? It seems to me they should be educated enough to know it's a harmless animal.

craigafrechette · 05-09-18, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

Craig, is this sort of thing uncommon where you live? At least the OP is trying to learn how to identify them to prevent any more from being killed. That's more than a lot of folks are willing to do.

Yeah, pretty uncommon where I live. But, in New England there aren't too many species and they are mostly harmless. All I've ever seen in the wild are garters.

And yes, I give props to OP for trying to learn and prevent more innocent animals from dying.

Bandit · 05-09-18, 10:02 AM

It's painfully common here, and seems to be that way through the Southeast. Lots of people who are fearful, ignorant, or just flat out hateful of snakes, and there are lots of snakes to be found.

craigafrechette · 05-09-18, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

It's painfully common here, and seems to be that way through the Southeast. Lots of people who are fearful, ignorant, or just flat out hateful of snakes, and there are lots of snakes to be found.

That's a shame. I have heard it's common in your area, so I guess eventually you develop an immunity to hearing about it. It's unfortunate, but it's life...

Bandit · 05-09-18, 01:11 PM

Not something I'll ever get used to, but I definitely have learned how to deal with it and not overreact. However I do try to educate as many people as I can. I've changed a handful of minds over the years when it comes to snakes. Granted, there are many people who wouldn't stop killing snakes if their own lives depended on it. I feel like if I can change one person's mind in a crowd of 100, I can walk away knowing I made a difference, regardless of how small.

craigafrechette · 05-09-18, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

Not something I'll ever get used to, but I definitely have learned how to deal with it and not overreact. However I do try to educate as many people as I can. I've changed a handful of minds over the years when it comes to snakes. Granted, there are many people who wouldn't stop killing snakes if their own lives depended on it. I feel like if I can change one person's mind in a crowd of 100, I can walk away knowing I made a difference, regardless of how small.

Very nice! Great post

DDW · 05-09-18, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Sorry, i wasn't blaming you. Just stating that's it's unfortunate. Please know I meant nothing towards you. I apologize for the confusion.

For my curiosity, who is responsible for making that Call? It seems to me they should be educated enough to know it's a harmless animal.

It's okay, this is a common problem with text based media since there are no verbal or physical cues to interpret your meaning from. Misunderstandings happen.

To answer your question, my parents are the final say on this issue and they know very little about snakes. In fact, my mother is dreadfully fearful of snakes, so much to the point that the only snake I was able to get had to be approved by her so she would have no chance of mistaking it for a wild snake. We have a wide variety of snakes here, both non-venomous and venomous including varieties that are difficult to distinguish. I am the most educated person here about snakes and reptiles in general.

Therefore, it was not obvious in any way if this were a harmless animal at the time, and I could not give sufficient advice to support saving the snake. Not only is our property a Haven for snakes and other wildlife, but we also have animals and children to worry about. Sufficient to say, "better safe than sorry" was in effect.

I probably over explained and went off subject a tad there, but I didn't want to be misunderstood or mistaken to be being negative. I'm just trying to explain the situation.

Also,

Thank you all for your support and understanding! ^.=.^

SerpentineDream · 05-09-18, 07:00 PM

At least you made an effort.

All too often people kill first and then ask later.

There was one sadist who burnt a tiny blind snake to death with a cigarette lighter, then asked if it was a venomous baby snake and where he would find the mother. It made me cry and I was uncharacteristically nasty to him. We're usually a pretty nice lot and if I can't be either encouraging or helpful I hold my tongue. But that time....

Hopefully you can convince your family that these guys are friends, not enemies. Snakes are amazing critters.