What is this snake????

Question

Found in my yard by my dog. It was over 7 feet long. Light grey with big dark grey blotches. Its head was kinda a fat diamond shape, solid dark grey. Someone told me it might be a boa constrictor. If it is, how old would it be at 7 ft?

I dont know how to put a picture on here. If you want to see a pic email me plz.

Im from mid MS. Kinda country. but i dont think there is any water near by. I think someone may have put it in my yard to scare me, but it didnt work.

Answer 1

What you saw might have been a gray rat snake (see photo: http://www.floridabackyardsnakes.com/images/GreyRatSnake.jpg ). If that's not it, email me using the link in my profile. I can help you post a photo with your question.

You might also try this website: http://www.enature.com/home/ - just enter your zipcode and click "go". On the next page, partway down you'll see a box called "results". Click on "reptiles and amphibians" to see photos of native species near where you live. Also see the pine snake (pg 17 of reptiles and amphibians).



ADDITION: Here are links to the photos "Charmed" took:

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/copperhead_photos/snake2.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w10/copperhead_photos/snake1.jpg

Answer 2

Without seeing the snake I cant really identify it, but if you think its a boa constrictor then you might want to call your local animal control or ask around if anybody is missing a pet snake. You would be surprised on how many snakes have accidentally got out. Also if it's a boa/python then it would be better to allow you local animal control to deal with it because a 7 foot constrictor can easily kill a cat or small dog or even attack a child. I volunteer at a local animal shelter in FL and we get people who bring in 2 ft kingsnakes to 18 ft burmese pythons they have found in their backyard and now that constrictors are very common in the pet industry its not surprising for them to turn up in peoples yards. Boas and pythons come in a variety of colors and sizes some like the rainbow boa have translucent scales with all different colors while some can be a dull grey to black like some of your south and central american boas it depends on the snake. It could also be a native snake like a ratsnake or kingnsnake but w/o a pic I cant guarantee anything.

Answer 3

This one is really hard to answer without seeing the snake. A Boa Constrictor that size could be anywhere from 5- 10 years old depending on the type of care it has received. It's likely that the snake is someones pet and they will like to have it returned. You may want to put up 'SNAKE FOUND' posters if you still have it.

Picture of a Boa Constrictor:
http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/biology/facilities/herp/snakes/mr&mrs%20spock2.jpg

Answer 4

I saw the pictures and I can say with no doubt in my mind it is a Gray Rat Snake, which are native to MS. Pattern varies somewhat but if you go to google images there are many like it and here is an informative website: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Elaphe_obsoleta.html

Answer 5

A boa Constrictor is not gray, a mate of mine has one. there a cream with black diamond shapes on them, im not 100% sure what type you found, i would need to see a pic. some snakes can be the same breed but different colour and it can be confusing

Answer 6

A picture would really be helpful if you could come up with one....hun..

I am thinkin a Gray Banded Kingsnake because you said light grey with dark grey

Does it look like this
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_horned_jew_lizard/227390340/

or possibly a rat snake
http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_horned_jew_lizard/227376760/

Answer 7

Could be some species of large water snake as well. Where do you live? That might help us determine what it could be.