Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Found this guy, (or girl) sunning in the poolhouse on a crisp New England afternoon Sunday, and was wondering what kind of snake it is. A good 2 1/2 feet long or so. No rattle on the tail...

Looks like a northen water snake to me.
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2.0 Pantherophis obsoletus obsoletus
0.2 Pantherophis guttatus guttatus

I don't think that is a waternake.

The scales don't look to be keeled (which knocks out the Watersnake), and there is a "Y" shped mark on the top of the head. These traits, along with the alternating blotched pattern, are consistent with the Eastern Milksnake, (Lampropeltis t. triangulum), which occurs in your area.

These are harmless/benefical snakes, and good to have around, as they eat rodents and sometimes other venomous snakes.

I hope you didn't hurt it.

Regards,

John D
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I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"
0.1 Black Rat (WV Rescue) "Roberta"

I need all the help I can get battling voles, mice and other critters in the neighborhood. This guy has a good home here. The pattern did'nt look like the typical Gartersnake's roaming about.

If fortune smiles upon you, this animal will become a regular on your property. I grew up in an area of CT where stone walls often were constructed of rough brownstone blocks-- the crevices between them were prime for year round snake residences. We had such a wall, and we were blessed with several snakes. Never saw a mouse in the house or a mole in the yard. Very cool.

regds,
althea

Eastern Milksnake.

Yes, it is an eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum).

n/m
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"with head raised regally,and gazing at me with lidless eyes,he seemed to question with flicks of his long forked tongue my right to trespass on his territory" Carl Kauffeld