Southwestern Rat Snake (Elaphe emoryi meahllmorum)

     These snakes will give most people pause upon encounter. Their light color and near-diamond pattern are similar to local rattlers. But don’t fear; you’ve just met another non-venomous reptilian native. Adult Southwestern Rat Snakes (SRS) range from 24-48 inches with the largest coming in at 72 inches. Their markings and color are similar not only to the rattlesnake, but the bull snake as well. The SRS differs from the Bull in a few ways:

• It is slightly smaller in length.
• SRS markings are consistent where the Bull blends to short stripes
• SRS head markings are more distinct compared to the Bull’s blurred stripe.
• Tail bands appear on the Bull instead of consistent circles on the SRS.

    

Both have the light-brown/cream color shared with the rattlesnake.

    

     A curious trait I’ve found in the SRS is their climbing ability. Yep that’s right. While you’re looking down, making sure you don’t step on any of these snakes (or other creepy-crawlers), you may walk right by a SRS handing out in a tree or on a gate or fence watching you. The video accompanying this post shows an SRS marking its way across a gate, up some chain-link fencing and onto a tree branch. Your feelings toward snakes in general will dictate your reaction to these images.

     

Like most non-venomous snakes the SRS are not aggressive. However, breeding season, a batch of eggs, an annoying canine, or even a ferocious chicken will get their ire up, leading to a painful bite. So if you meet any Southwestern Rat Snakes, feel free to stop and appreciate them, maybe even voice your opinion, but leave them be and they will reciprocate. 

I've added a short video of one of our local SRSs traveling along a gate. Fascinating how these guys move.

 

Checkered Garter Snake--Non-venomous snake

Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus marcianus) 

Working our way up the size category we now say hello to a typical visitor, the Checkered Garter Snake. Compared to the South Texas Blind Snake the average Garter snake is a real giant! An adult ranges from 18-24 inches long with the largest coming in at 42 ½ inches! The Garters that hang around here are closer to 20 inches. These guys are recognizable by the thin yellow or white stripe that runs the length of their body. While their demeanor is calm and non-aggressive, they will strike and bite, but this has only occurred (for us) under extreme duress and aggravation. Even so, they are non-venomous so while their bite can hurt (as any bite) it shouldn’t require any outside medical attention. But do clean the wound to avoid a chance of infection due to dirt and other contaminates. The best course of action is just to avoid aggravating any snake. These guys like to feast on insects of all kinds, frogs, toads, and small mice and rats. And once they’ve had a good meal, they’ll find a nice, out-of-the-way place to sit and digest (just like most humans after a Thanksgiving meal). So, if you or your animals don’t mind these guys rummaging around your yard or sheds for food give them a nod and continue with your day.