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. Please post comments on THIS ARTICLE ONLY! To ask a question go here: Home
Snakes of NC
Garter Snakes can vary from black with yellow stripes, checkered with stripes, checkered with no stripes, to gray with cream stripes. They are about the most variable snake in the US.
They are good to have around the garden, as they eat slugs and caterpillars.
Though most will bite if picked up, they have no fangs (just tiny teeth) and no venom, thus they are completely harmless.
Remember that the two dangerous snakes in your area (Rattlesnake and Copperhead) are very distinctive appearing, so if the snake is neither of these it is harmless.
--Previous Message--
: We live in Md. and have found what looks
: to be a family of black snakes. THe
: largest is about 5 feet long and is
: black with yellow strips going down the
: length of its body. Then there a
: several smaller snakes about 12-18
: inches long that look just like the big
: one. The smallest are more of a
: greenish color with the yellow
: striping? Any ideas what these are and
: are they harmful?
:
Message Thread black snake with yellow stripes? - Sandy September 3, 2010, 1:05 pm
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