Tooty2Shoes wondered what a rat snake looks like (we were discussing ladybugs and went a bit astray). This is a Prairie King Snake, called a "rat snake" locally because of its diet, bless its heart! This one was in the path to the workshop, sunning itself. Prairie king snake ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) We have a snake living under the house, which explains why we don't have a rodent problem! The snake will bite, but is non-venomous and very, very shy. He has only shown himself two or three times, and always taken off like a shot as soon as he feels us approach.
It's good to see this snake in its natural environment. Over here in the UK they tend to be kept as pets.
OH, I wish we had those around here! The number of mice in the fields is crazy, and I also had rats in my compost. I haven't seen a snake around here in 8 years!
Nice shot! They are good at taking care of the rodents that's for sure but they like to raid bird nest also..They can climb a 15 foot aluminum pole to get in my martin house.
I killed one when I was very young... and my grandma whipped my butt good over that! Since then... I just leave snakes alone.
Looks like what we call Bull snakes here in Iowa.Have a ball of them in compost. Have gotten in house. Out door cat brought one in as a play toy. Can get 15 feet long.And can go straight up a tree or wall.
I wish there was a snake the day we went to take down the greenhouse in Feb.....I opened a folding table ( there was junk/stuff in the greenhouses) and there were at least a dozen field mice inside. EEEEEKKKKK! it was shocking to see, then I started laughing at my surprise to see them all. Then they started jumping ship, so to speak. It was hilarious and disgusting all at the same time.
