I live in south-central Kentucky. I live somewhat in the country, with fields, and woods, no water except for ponds. I found a young snake (about 1-1.5 ft.). It was black with a grey-silver diamond pattern on its back. The belly was a somewhat grey color. It coiled up when I spotted it, and acted like it did want to strike. I have searched numerous pictures, and descriptions, and have not been able to find one that looks like it. I have looked at those native to this area, and searched for those that are not, trying to figure out what it is. If anyone has any info., please let me know.
2006-10-13 13:51:04 · 9 answers · asked by joe j 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Hey I suggest Trying this link....
http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/herpetology.htm
Sounds like your Cutey is a small snake... HOWEVER
Please note that Younger or baby rattlers do not always have a rattle.. they dont get the rattling noise until the have several buttons on the tail.
They are born with a button and then get one each time they molt ( shed the skin).. Also most baby rattle snake bits are MORE venomouse than the adults...
It is not uncommon for younge ror baby snakes to look differently than pictures of adults ones you may find online or in books.
If you can get a Dig pic you can send it off to folks...
Do not try to catch it,..or approach it
Kentucky has Several Species of Venomous snakes.
Also keep in mind it could be a exotic that was somebodies pet and was released. You would not believe the snake speices Wildlife rescues and sanctuaries end up getting that are caught out in the wild that surely were not born in the US.
Calling your local animal Rescue. Wildlife Rescue may help identify it and get it out of your space if its a naughty snake,...
Else just leave him be..... They do a great job of keeping Rodents down around areas where they live.
Good Luck
Link to US Sanctuary listing
http://www.greenpeople.org/sanctuary.htm
Wismom
2006-10-13 14:13:45 · answer #1 · answered by Wismom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poisonous Eastern Cotton Mouth:
Look at the snake in the upper right -hand corner
http://www.snakesandfrogs.com/scra/snakes/images/cmouth6.jpg
Cottonmouths are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. They are generally dark above: olive, brown, or black. A lighter/darker cross banding pattern may be seen, especially on the sides. They are heavy bodied with keeled scales. Adult size is considered to be in the range of 30 to 48 inches. @@@ The young are more distinctly patterned, resembling a very dark Copperhead Snake, without the reddish tint. @@@
Cottonmouths are common snakes found in wetlands, rivers, lakes, etc. Many times non-venomous water snakes are mistaken for Cottonmouths. Cottonmouths get their name from their defensive habit of gaping their mouths open to expose the white lining of the mouth. This is their way of warning potential aggressors to stay away.
Cottonmouths can be aggressive. Unlike their Copperhead cousins, they will often stand their ground. Their venom is stronger and they tend to be larger snakes, making them very dangerous. I have encountered specimens which flee like water snakes, but more often they assume a defensive posture or crawl/swim slowly away.
2006-10-13 14:03:21 · answer #2 · answered by Bama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope you didn't pick it up!? Does it have a slight up turned nose like a pig? Did it act like it had a rattler tail, and if yes then to both then it maybe a hog nose snake, they act like a ratler and if pestered to much it may turn upside down and act dead, but don't pester it until that point it is very stressful for the snake, good luck and don't get bit
2006-10-13 13:56:45 · answer #3 · answered by maximus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a black rat snake at a young age.
2006-10-13 16:16:21 · answer #4 · answered by gothmomma_2 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps a juvenile black rat snake? Here's a picture of it online, scroll down to the juvenile rat snake. http://frogsandsnakes.homestead.com/rat.html
2006-10-13 14:33:03 · answer #5 · answered by ●Gardener● 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a black rat snake. For a detailed description and photos, see this site: http://www.snakesandfrogs.com/scra/faq/faq1.htm#snakes2
2006-10-13 14:04:56 · answer #6 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may have discovered a new species. You should go back to that area and capture it with a camera, then you could show it to the experts.
2006-10-13 13:59:59 · answer #7 · answered by Polo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
black rat... take a picture next time if you want to be sure.
2006-10-14 05:40:58 · answer #8 · answered by meaningless endeavor 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it may be a corne snake, but im not sure.Good luck though!
2006-10-13 14:13:53 · answer #9 · answered by Ali P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋