Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last Thursday, my son found what appears to be a Queen Snake in far western Kentucky. The references we have all say this snake should not be found in the wild in this part of the state. We have taken some pictures, which you can see here:

Is there anyone who can confirm this is a Queen Snake by these pictures, or can you tell me if there something specifc we should look for to confirm it. Also, if it is a Queen Snake, does anyone know what we would need to do to report this as being found here?

Thanks for any and all help.

Steve

It looks like a queen to me.
Here's a link.
http://www.kentuckysnakes.org/snake_details.cfm?snake_number=32&option=non-posionous
Doesn't show much in western KY does it?
:Mark
-----
Surrender Dorothy!

www.crimsonking.funtigo.com

Thanks crimsonking, that is my son's favorite website. My son is excited thinking he may have found a snake here that is rare or not even known to live here.

Steve

to me it looks like a graham's crayfish sp. snake but i could be wrong

it looks like a graham's crayfish snake Or a queen snake but since you have neather i would say it is a queen since it is the clousest one to you.
-----
The best reptile rescue is HERE

>>Last Thursday, my son found what appears to be a Queen Snake in far western Kentucky. The references we have all say this snake should not be found in the wild in this part of the state. We have taken some pictures, which you can see here:
>>
>>
>>
>>Is there anyone who can confirm this is a Queen Snake by these pictures, or can you tell me if there something specifc we should look for to confirm it. Also, if it is a Queen Snake, does anyone know what we would need to do to report this as being found here?
>>
>>Thanks for any and all help.
>>
>>Steve
-----
U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
www.uappeal.org

Certianly does resemble a Regina.

If you have a copy of Behler and King check out Plate 519 of the Graham's which resembles the dorsal of your specimen. The double row of belly spots is more suggestive of the Queen shown on Plate 22 of Conant and Collins.

My thought is that this is a waif - that is, an unfortunate individual who has been transported to your region by human action. This could occur inadvertently perhaps in a boat, or deliberately as by someone releasing a WC they took home.

Keep an eye out for additional specimens where you caught that one. If you find more it may be a true range extension or isolated colony. If you think that is the case you should contact a professional herpetologist to report your find. Joseph T. Collins can be contacted through the CHAH website here:

http://www.cnah.org/index.asp

Keep on herping!

John D

Link

-----
0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"