[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Enhancer77

That is a beautiful Black Racer, a very beneficial snake. They are inquisitive and like to "periscope" to get better looks at what is around them. My husband saved one from my neighbor's garage. The snake wrapped himself around a piece of equipment that they carried out to the yard and released him. The snake acted like he was going to attack. I suggest if you belong to Facebook that you join WHAT KIND OF SNAKE IS THIS: FLORIDA. Very educational and interesting.

If a black snake is cornered by a human, it will threaten to attack and as a last resort, it will bite the human - much like a land turtle will bite in some circumstances. And a snapping turtle will bite in all circumstances.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Blueblaze

I don't know about beating me up, but he sure seemed cocky about giving those birds fits. I've never had a snake try to chase me before. But I agree, monkeys and just about everything else in this world is more dangerous than a little snake.

They're usually very shy -- sometimes almost friendly. We used to keep chickens back in Texas and we had a big rat snake that used to hang out in the chicken coop and steal an egg once in a while as payment for keeping the rats away. He got so tame that I could pick him up. If I found him in the nest box, I had to shoo him out to get the eggs. And he had a weird thing going on with the chickens. One evening I came out to close the coop and he was in there probing for something under Edith's wing. I don't know what the heck he was doing, but Edith didn't seem too concerned. Maybe they all got a massage every night at bedtime.

There's just a lot more going on in the animal world than we realize.

I agree that animals can be unpredictable (also humans).

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Blueblaze

How could anyone be afraid of such a cute, curious guy like that? I have no idea what kind he is (maybe a corn snake?), but those big round eyes tell you he's harmless.

All of the wildlife around here is pretty fearless. I attribute it to the bubble. Even when walking my dog, the squirrels practically come up to investigate sometimes, like they think I've got something to eat.

And one time I had a black snake actually chase me. I was holding the lanai door open for my dog, and there was a sudden commotion in the bushes, and a bunch of birds flew out. A couple of seconds later, this big black snake slithered out, looking all cocky. He turned his head and saw me, and instead of running away, he ran TOWARD me! I was so surprised, I jumped back and slammed the door in his face. Weird!

Not sure about what the round eyes tell, but you can tell that it does NOT have poison FANGS because it does not have a triangular-shaped head, which is the usual way to determine a poisonous snake

[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

And a snapping turtle will bite in all circumstances.

And won't let go til it thunders. Known fact.

[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Not sure about what the round eyes tell, but you can tell that it does NOT have poison FANGS because it does not have a triangular-shaped head, which is the usual way to determine a poisonous snake

And next comes the venom vs. poison debate. . . :-)

[frayedends]

Originally Posted by mntlblok

And next comes the venom vs. poison debate. . . :-)

True, you inject venom and you swallow poison. Nevertheless, we can all be glad it wasn't a monkey. They will throw poop at you.

[CTKID]

Originally Posted by alemorkam

Laying on my stomach and the snake crawled up to the lens.

You put yourself in a position few others do. Your reward was a great shot. I applaud you.

[Blueblaze]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Not sure about what the round eyes tell, but you can tell that it does NOT have poison FANGS because it does not have a triangular-shaped head, which is the usual way to determine a poisonous snake

The only poisonous American snake with round eyes is the coral snake. Vipers all have slit pupils, and its a surer way to tell them apart than the triangular head. Many snakes have heads larger than their bodies that are easy to mistake for "triangular".

[Boomer]

Just when I think your shots could not possibly be any better, there is another one. Wow! That is absolutely stunning.

But, friendly, you say? Hmmmm, he was probably getting ready to ask for your vote.

Boomer

[scooterstang]

Great pic. If you stare at it long enough you will be hypnotized!!

[Velvet]

I bet the actual camera was many yards away while using a very powerful telephoto…

[toeser]

Originally Posted by alemorkam

Laying on my stomach and the snake crawled up to the lens.

That is one very cool pic.

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by alemorkam

Laying on my stomach and the snake crawled up to the lens.

Oh, I didn’t see this part… yikes… I know some people love the lovely eyed creatures… me, not so much.