Creepy! While writing an E-mail last evening I heard the slightest rustle of a paper bag to my left. Suddenly it dawned on me, what would make that kind of a noise about ten feet to my left? I glanced in that direction, began to get up to investigate and there he was, a big black snake! Inside! Living in the woods I am use to being mindful of snakes when I’m outside but inside? So, how did he get in and how long has he been a visitor? Eeks.
We kindly released him outdoors where he slithered beneath the landscaped stone wall. See you next Spring, OUTSIDE!
The Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta) — also called pilot black snake or simply black snake[1] — is a non-venomous colubrid species found in North America. It prefers heavily wooded areas and is known for having excellent climbing ability, including the ability to climb the trunk of large mature trees without the aid of branches. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Length may range from 42 to 72 inches, making the black rat snake one of Missouri’s largest snakes. This species is well-known for its ability to climb trees. They are found statewide and live in a variety of habitats, including rocky wooded hillsides, wooded riverbanks, in or near farm buildings and in large brush piles.
WHAT????!!!! But HOW did it get INSIDE your house and inside a paper bag????
Diane
Exactly! How did it get in and when? Perhaps when the weather turned cold? A few months ago? Whoa, not a comfortable feeling. In the twenty plus years we have lived in the woods, I have caught or chased out the door lizards, frogs and mice but never a very large snake. I’ve been looking underneath my desk all morning.
Yikes!!!
Yes Yikes! A little excitement around the house you know. The kids were visiting so of course they thought it was great. Which just this minute reminded me of another similar memory. My dad catching one, inside his home studio when I was a kid. I never forgot, entirely. Wow.
Maybe we should have coffee at MY house on Sunday!
LOL!
OMG, I hate snakes so much I would have to MOVE.
I’ve grown pretty accustomed to seeing them, outside of course and you know, black snakes are the good ones right? Have to keep them around to take care of the copperheads, or so I’ve heard.
I bet you didn’t have any mousey visitors this year with Mr. Black Snake as a welcoming committee.
I do have an appreciation for the non-poisonous snakes because of the purpose they serve in the food chain, but I, too, have my limits where they have permission to be!
Eeeuuw!
Blacht! Gross!
Oh my goodness……..if that had been me you’d have heard me screaming all the way to the midwest!
YIKES!
Warm blessings,
Spencer