shaggyt
Member
I found this snake right on my walk way the other day but have been unable to identify it. I'm hoping it's non-venomous.
I have found several snake skins in my attic as well and I believe this to be the same variety based on the size of the skin. Of course there's no way to be 100% sure of this unless I catch any snakes in my home.
paherp
Admin
This is a Eastern Rat Snake. They are non-venomous. You can also check out http://paherps.com/ our online guide for identification help. Let us know if you need help with anything else.
shaggyt
Member
Thanks a bunch. I was unable to locate a color pattern like this one until I saw the link provided.
I did not happen to notice a diet/preferred prey section but I assume this species will hunt all small vermin: rats, mice, moles, chipmunks, squirrels (small or young ones)?
paherp
Admin
Yes mainly small rodents, also birds and eggs.
pipefitter
Member
hello, i'm sorry i don't have a picture but i found a small snake in my basement it was about 5 inches long jet black with a white belly and a white ring around its neck no other marking it was a non venomous snake but can't figure out what kind it is
paherp
Admin
Pipefitter,
Sounds like you have a eastern ringneck snake. http://www.paherps.com/herps/snakes/ringneck
But unusual sounding for the white band and ventral. Did it have any yellow tint to these areas?
pipefitter
Member
no yellow tint snow white i have been told it may be a racer but i thought they had stripes lengthwise down their backs but also it was only about 5 inches long and mabey an eight of an inch around or just slightly bigger(but not much)
paherp
Admin
No, when racers are that small they will not be jet black, they will have a pattern that is light and dark gray. I am thinking maybe this is still a ringneck from the ring you described on the neck. There have been cases of the absence of color on the band and ventral, or a better case it could have been close to shedding. Were the eyes blue by any chance?
pipefitter
Member
it was so small i couldn't tell plus my eyes aren't the greatest if it was a ring neck ive never seen one like i said ive been in the outdoors since i was small hunting fishing playing in the woods how come i have never seen one before
krloucks
Moderator
Ringneck snakes are very secretive, usually not found out in the open. They spend most of their time undercover like rocks and logs. What county are you in?
krloucks
Moderator
Here's an adult
pipefitter
Member
i'm in fayette county hopwood at the base of the laurel highlands on rt 40
krloucks
Moderator
Should be plenty of ringneck snakes there...
carlton
Member
I found one of these in my backyard today and was able to id it thanks to this post. Thanks for answering, I'm glad it wasn't poisonous or I'd still be worried about my kids playing around in the back.
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