This was hanging out in my backyard this morning

[Eladerman]

My cat was freaking out doing a little dance around a tree in my backyard this morning. I went out to investigate what she was all worked up over and discovered this black rat snake chillin on a tree limb. I left it alone. I don't indiscriminately kill things, only unless they threaten me. I have a couple of sheds and I have seen a rat or two and baby possums, and rabbits and such going under them. So I figure I'll let nature take care of itself. Had to grab a couple of pics tho. Best I can estimate this baby was about 5 ft long. I live out in the county less that 1/4 mile from the Ohio river, lots of different forms of wildlife come into my yard on occasion.
Regards
CDR

[Charleslee]

Thanks for not killing it. Good to have around, like you said.

[Adrock2864]

Very cool!

[ilovekittens]

Sounds like it should eat pretty good around your house, cute little fella. ILK

[Adrock2864]

It was only about 40 degrees on the east coast today. He woulda been one slow moving snake in my backyard.

[tedsouper]

Cool I like to see all kinds of animals in the wild myself! Good photo also. I was a Pres. of a reptile club that had over 1000 members.
I'd trust a snake before most politician's! Ted........

[Charleslee]

Ted, they are cool! I had a boa when I was young. Very nice snake. Wouldn't mind getting another. Thought about an iguana but when 6' you have to dedicate an entire room to it or give free rein. Had a bearded dragon a few yrs. ago. Got to be a PITA what w/ dusting the crickets w/ the powder & all.

[Shovelhead]

Great photos. Looks right at home hanging out in sun.

[Horsepower]

Beautiful animal and very useful to have around. Your ideas on animals match mine. I always wonder why people have this compulsion to kill an animal because it looks ugly to them?