Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This picture is one of a series taken by a co-worker of mine. She was attracted to the scene by something flipping around in her back yard. What she found was the large black snake with just a little of the garter hanging out of its mouth. Over a period of about 1/2 hour the black snake slowly regrugitated the garter (who is still alive). Another neighbor is taking care of the garter, but the question is what is the black snake. He was rather large and relatively thick bodied.

There is disagreement here whether it is a black rat , spotted king or blue racer. Any help would be appreciated!

Rats, the pic is in Printroom--how do I get it to show up?

Let's try the pic again--It is taken in the Kansas City Missouri area just a few days ago...

Here, this one may be easier to see...

Pic isn't great for IDs.
My choices:
1. Kingsnake
2. Black racer
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...and I think to myself, "What a wonderful world."

Well the garter looks to be a Plains, (if you care). As for the black snake, I see a kingsnake, possibly a black king, depending on your location.

Hard to tell from your pic, but given your location, I vote for the eastern yellowbelly racer, Coluber constrictor flaviventris. Just on the basis of behavior I would rule out your nominations of ratsnake (not usually a snake eater) and kingsnake (would normally kill its prey by constriction before beginning to consume it).