To ask a question about a snake, don't reply to this post, go to the forum home page and start a new post. Your question will get a lot more exposure. Please give us an idea of where you live, as reptiles can often be identified only by locality!

Please do not place messages about killing a snake, and asking what kind it is you have killed! That is like going onto a message board about dogs and telling about torturing one to death, and asking what kind of breed it was. You will likely get "flamed", and likely by the forum owner, depending on his mood that day.

A note about head shape in snakes: Head shape is a totally useless character for identifying a snake, and has nothing to do with whether the serpent is or is not venomous (poisonous). Many harmless snakes, especially when young, have rather large heads. Please describe color, pattern, markings, and habitat where the snake was found. The shape of the head will not help us in any way. Thank you.

Black snake?

Posted by Michele on June 20, 2005, 11:53 pm
141.151.175.42

Hi, My family lives in Western Pennsylvania (20 miles south of the Pittsburgh)and 2 days ago I saw a large (4-5 ft.) black snake sunning itself on our driveway in the front of the house. As soon as I went to check, the snake left and climbed into the trees / bushes. Today, after hosing down my back patio, I return to find the snake on our back patio lounging on top of a tall fan I keep out during the summer. The snake stayed for approx. an hour or so and then explored my son's baseball bat and glove. My concern is that earlier in the morning, before the snake happened to make its way to our backyard patio, my hubby sprayed the perimeter of the patio for a spider problem we are having. Three questions, the snake is dark black....any worries?, secondly, am concerned the poison spray will hurt the snake. Third, is the snake looking to lay eggs and will I now have alot of snakes around my home? I have young children who play out back. Any options please? I would never cause harm to the snake but am somewhat fearful of it if it is in the "constrictor" family as my cat is an outdoor cat and then as I mentioned, my kids are out in the yard too. Thank you so much - I appreciate any feedback.

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Message Thread: Black snake? - Michele June 20, 2005, 11:53 pm Re: Black snake? - Wayne June 21, 2005, 11:50 am Re: Black snake? - Michele June 21, 2005, 5:53 pm « Back to thread

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