Look into his eyes! If they are round, then he is safe, and he is there eating slugs and other bugs that would eat your garden.
I couldn't tell much about the head shape from the photo, nor the eyes.
But, if not poisonous, and no threat to livestock, I would be glad to have it there. Also look at his tail, non-poisonous snakes have long tails, poisonous ones are either stubby or have rattles on them.
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Ozark Lady
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Pippin Limbertwig
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I experience your concern. I had a hatching of these fellows in my compost pile last year. I took one to the extension agent and he positively identified it as a rat snake. Baby snakes will all try to strike when they feel threatened.
We also have copper heads - the head shape and body type are different as well as the colors.
The rat snake evolved "protective coloration" to look somewhat like the copperhead - apparently it's backfiring when people are the biggest threat.
As far as your plants are concerned, venomous snakes are beneficials, too.
We also have copper heads - the head shape and body type are different as well as the colors.
The rat snake evolved "protective coloration" to look somewhat like the copperhead - apparently it's backfiring when people are the biggest threat.
As far as your plants are concerned, venomous snakes are beneficials, too.
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gixxerific
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