Southern Black Racer
 

I looked outside my window this morning and saw what I thought was a long black stick. On further inspection, I discovered that it was a 3 foot snake. Shiny black with a little cream color under his chin. He was sunning himself on the stones that make up most of my landscaping. When we tried to get closer for a better look, he disappeared in a flash! Hence the "racer" part of its name.

OK. So here's the point. This snake is one of the most common in Florida. It is NOT POISONOUS. It has tiny little teeth for catching lizards, bugs, frogs, mice, etc. The worst it could do to you is give you a bite. So, if you should come across one of these beautiful creatures, please, please do not kill it. They are more afraid of you than vice versa. Not to mention that catching it would be problematic, since they are so very fast.

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.47914...h=153&c=7&rs=1

Thank you for your attention.

Joaniesmom I :bowdown: to your wisdom and thank you for the information. These creatures have a place in our lives and we need to respect them. Of course if I ran across one I assure you I would win the race.

Beautiful

There are few things I'm truly afraid of but rats are high on my list. Anything that eats mice and rats is a fantastic creature to me. Thus, I've been lucky enough to love snakes for a very long time. Black racers are truly beautiful snakes. To see them take off is amazing.

Thanks for sharing and reminding.

Gotta disagree..I hate snakes. I'm like the Fat Broad character in the BC comic strip when it comes to snakes.

Interesting photo. I just attended a gardening seminar and learned that snakes are drawn to "pine-needle" mulch. Just a FYI for those who don't like snakes...

Thanks for the info. Didn't know that.

I wonder if the photo has been taken down? All I see is a camera icon with a ghost-buster circle and slash.

The worst? Are you kidding? You think it's OK to be bitten by a snake or any other animal? Really? You need some serious education on animal bites and their consequences. If a snake bites me it's going to DIE. Whether I beat it to death with a shovel, shoot it or rip it's head off, it's going to D-I-E.

God represents Satan as a snake for a reason. They are NOT beautiful.

How do you feel about little puppies?

OH NO, disregard! Not another dog thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:ohdear::ohdear:

:1rotfl:

They're great.

As long as they aren't in the restaurant where I'm eating. ;)



On another note, thank goodness there is no such thing as a........ "service snake." :D

.

No snake has any thing to worry about me picking it up. Period !

Excellent!