Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking this guy might not be native. Trying to get an ID before the gentleman that found it kills it or releases it again. Any thoughts?

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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"The beatings will continue until morale improves!"

You are correct, sir. It's not a native. Its a Taiwanese ratsnake.
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V.P.
Austin Herp. Soc.

Just seconding Jack's ID.

It is one of the subspecies of Beautysnake Elaphe taeniura. (They aren't Elaphe anymore, but I forget the new genus.)

They are native to southeast asia, so don't release it, obviously. They make fair captives, although they can be high strung.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Thanks Jack and Chris. I am not sure what the gentleman that found the snake is going to do yet, but he is not going to kill it or release it. He talked about taking it up to a local pet store or letting one of the forum members have it (it is a fishing forum mind you). I have told him I would be willing to take it, but the decision is up to him. He told me it is already 5 ft., so it is no baby. Ah.....the joys of Florida life!!
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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"The beatings will continue until morale improves!"

Wow,

where wat it captured ? Have any others been seen in the same area? ...
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Safari Tom
See'em Touch'em Save'em
www.SafariTom.com

Pensacola Fl, and no, no others. We do not have a lot exotic species going wild here. We have some pretty hard freezes. Just think of us as Lower AL and you get the idea. Most people see FL, and think Miami. We are a far cry from that.
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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"The beatings will continue until morale improves!"

Hey ,
Im in Sarasota FL.... There are lots of exotic snakes that inhabit freezing areas.. i dont know much about the taiwan beauty snakes... wasnt sure if they brumate or not ..

Dont let that guy kill that snake .. whats going to happen to it ?
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Safari Tom
See'em Touch'em Save'em
www.SafariTom.com

I don't know. He was talking about taking it to a pet store for trade or giving it to one of the forum members.

I lived in Satasota for a while and worked (interned) at Mote Marine Lab.
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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"The beatings will continue until morale improves!"

They are really pretty snakes and can get much longer than 5 feet. I would be suprised if he had a hard time finding someone or somewhere that wanted it.