It could be red bellied snake
http://www.wlf.state.la.us/img/experience/lawildlife/red_bellied_snake_brown_pha.jpg
and earth snake
http://www.wlf.state.la.us/img/experience/lawildlife/smooth_earth_snake.jpg
a copper head
http://www.thebestlinks.com/images/9/9a/YoungCopperhead.jpg
a brown snake if you live in virginia or the carolinas
http://www.csl.com.au/images/1/KingBrownSnake.jpg
In any case it is imperative that you do not touch it with your hands as it could be venemous and even baby snakes have venom.
Call your local animal control and have them identify it
If it is venemous they will surely take it back to an animal shelter until they can drop if off in some nearby woods.
If you find out it is harmless still; be cautious if you decide to do the job of releasing it somewhere;
Don't touch it with your bear hands unless you want to be bitten use a bag
also if there are babies then the parents must also be around
watch out for them(as in don't reach into places you can't see)
Hopefully it isn't a venemous snake and its harmless that way you don't have to worry about it
Hope this helps
2007-06-11 06:46:36
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Without a picture or locale, it is difficult to ID, but I can help point you in some direction.
If its alive, FROM A DISTANCE, look between its nostril and its eye. If there is a small opening, called a pit, PUT IT BACK. This indicates a viper, of which there are numerous species it could be. Stripes mean it would be a copperhead most likely, spots could be rattler of some form (esp if there isnt a rattle yet).
If it lacks the pits, you should be ok to look at it more closely, but I would recommend googling it first (try your state's natural department. I live in Michigan, the DNR website is great for this kind of thing).
Characteristics that help ID would be if the scales have raised point in the middle of each, called keeled scales. This indicates different families, most commonly garters and their relatives.
Also, pay attention to the size of the head as compared to its neck, since this is often the only real obvious means of IDing between two species.
Another good characteristic would be the belly pattern. If there are black semi circles, it could be a common water snake. If there are black checkers, it could be a rat snake of numerous kinds. If there are black spots flanking the sides of the belly it would be a Kirklands (which means put it back, they are protected in most places). If it has two black stripes, its a Queen snake.
Like I said, most my experience is with Michigan herps, so I hope my answer was helpful in directing you to its identification!
2007-06-11 05:59:31
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answer #2
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answered by Vika 2
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I will say copperhead as well.
It could be another type of snake but there is a chance that it could be a copperhead which is venomous. Without a picture, it is hard to tell you for sure. However, lets err on the side of caution and treat it like it is a venomous copperhead.
2007-06-11 05:46:22
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answer #3
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answered by A.Mercer 7
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Go to any book store and pick up a Reptile Identification/Field Guide, and then look it up. Ad it has been said earlier, it is impossible to tell without a picture. Treat it as if it were poisonous, as it is probably a copperhead.
2007-06-11 07:23:16
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answer #4
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answered by Future Biologist 2
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depends on where you live- treat any snake you are not sure of as poisonous- then go on-line and look at snake pictures to identify
2007-06-11 05:52:44
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answer #5
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answered by JK 2
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Possibly a deadly copperhead.
2007-06-11 05:44:32
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answer #6
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answered by $mitty $ux 1
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