Posted: 6/17/2009 4:38:33 PM EDT
This is the second little one I've "caught" in my lanai in the last three days. The first one was released out in the back 40. This one I almost stepped on as I was going out to the pool and was an aggressive little fucker. It got "caught" as I was moving the stack of lounges it was hiding under - didn't intend for this outcome. I don't know what it is but it did shake its tail like a rattler and, like I said, was quite aggressive. Can anyone identify it for me? Future dinner pic????  Any way to keep them out of the lanai? Advice?
Close up: 
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black racer
black racers are common snakes that utilize a variety of habitats including rocky ledges, pastures, overgrown fields, dry or moist woodlands and the edges of wetlands. Small mammals, other snakes and insects are preferred food items, although racers take a wide variety of prey. They will even feed on young of their own species. Active primarily during the day, racers are commonly seen as they bask on shrubs, rocks, ledges and roads, and are tolerant of summer temperatures that would drive other snakes to seek shelter. Aptly named, racers are very fast and typically flee from danger. However, once cornered they put up a vigorous fight, biting hard and often. Rattling their tails among dry leaves, racers can sound convincingly like rattlesnakes. If captured they are difficult to handle and will writhe, defecate and spray musk in an attempt to escape. |
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Quoted:
black racer black racers are common snakes that utilize a variety of habitats including rocky ledges, pastures, overgrown fields, dry or moist woodlands and the edges of wetlands. Small mammals, other snakes and insects are preferred food items, although racers take a wide variety of prey. They will even feed on young of their own species. Active primarily during the day, racers are commonly seen as they bask on shrubs, rocks, ledges and roads, and are tolerant of summer temperatures that would drive other snakes to seek shelter. Aptly named, racers are very fast and typically flee from danger. However, once cornered they put up a vigorous fight, biting hard and often. Rattling their tails among dry leaves, racers can sound convincingly like rattlesnakes. If captured they are difficult to handle and will writhe, defecate and spray musk in an attempt to escape. Sounds like . . . nah - better not! |
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Quoted:
Black Racers have markings as juveniles but not that distinguished I don't think. Quoted:
i'm going to say pine snake Yep, or some variant of rat snake is my opinion. Either way, it's harmless and will help keep the rodent population in check. I looked for adult/juvenile pics of various snakes without much success so far. I don't know how much markings change as they grow but the closest "match" was the adult Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. The head was "viperish" but no rattles. I'll research rat snakes. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Black Racers have markings as juveniles but not that distinguished I don't think. Quoted: i'm going to say pine snake Yep, or some variant of rat snake is my opinion. Either way, it's harmless and will help keep the rodent population in check. I looked for adult/juvenile pics of various snakes without much success so far. I don't know how much markings change as they grow but the closest "match" was the adult Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. The head was "viperish" but no rattles. I'll research rat snakes. If you have seen a venomous snake in person before there really isn't any mistaking its head for a nonvenomous job. They are pretty distinctive at any distance from which I might make a kill on a venomous one. |