Finally! Field Herping in my back yard!

[BloodyBaroness]

I was walking by the kitchen window when something told me to look up, and there was a black rat snake climbing the side of a tree! We have several birds nests around the back yard and it was checking to see if any were still in the nest.

I am so sorry for the crappy quality of some of the pics, I was sooo excited I neglected the flash for a bit.

So without further ado.....

Hmmm.... I see something that does not belong!

and the last one without flash

This was so exciting!

EDIT! Had a little whoopsie on the ID! Thanks Katie and Eric!

 

[Nanci]

Very cool! I wonder why he didn't run away! The racers down here would never stick around long enough for pics.

 

[BloodyBaroness]

He just slithered away slowly and calmly. I was amazed, thought for sure I would be in for a chase. Even had to brush him with a leaf to get to turn around and look at me. He was the most calm wild snake I've ever seen.

 

[Susielea]

Nice pics! I'd love to be able to just go outside and find herps in my backyard!

 

[ArpeggioAngel]

I could be wrong - but it almost looks like a black ratsnake instead of a racer? That might also explain why it didn't flee like a racer normally does? I am sure someone who can ID better than me will chime in....

 

[vetusvates]

LOL. Black Rat Snake, darlin'.

Easy mistake to make. LOL.

 

[BloodyBaroness]

Ah ha! Thank explains a lot! Thanks for the ID help. It was really a very lovely snake.

 

[vetusvates]

I like their musky smell. Different than a corn, but not unpleasant.

 

[sinisterserpents1]

black rat

Beautiful find. I love black rats.

 

[CrousesCorns]

Since everyone has only corrected you and not told you the difference I will try. Black Racers have more of a metallic black shine to them and only have white chin/neck. Black Rat Snakes have patterns and white belly/neck/chin. Black Rat Snakes are the most commonly seen snake in North Carolina and most of the Southeast.

If that had been a racer it would have either crawled really fast to get away or struck at you repeatedly. They are very nasty buggers for biting. Congrats on your find and here is a very helpful link to reptiles in NC check it out and enjoy.... http://www.herpsofnc.org/

 

[diamondlil]

Nice find! I'd probably have been too excited to get pictures half as nice as yours!

 

[alan]

Looks like there's plenty of snake food around your house. That's a good looking snake.
I have troubles picking favorites of things but I do have a favorite snake, wild black rat snake.

 

[RavenSpirit360]

Very cool... Beautiful snake