Looking at You
Black rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) are the most common snake in our part of the world. We’ve seen at least half a dozen in our yard this season. Since they eat mice, voles, and chipmunks, it’s no surprise that they’ve showed up here—and we’re glad for the help with reducing the populations of those rodents.
My reptilophile (is that a word?) husband says these snakes can be snappy if you bother them, but like most snakes, they would rather get away than confront. They’re very good to have around, even if they’re kind of creepy.
PS: Around here only my husband would get this close to a snake. He had his phone camera in one hand and grabbed the guy by the tail with the other, which made him coil up and glare. I don’t recommend that “grabbed him by the tail” part.