Eastern Racer

Now this is most definitely the same type of snake that was swimming in my pond. I didn't think eastern racers were known to be swimmers.

I should clarify that last comment a bit. That is what Missouri's taxonomic key uses for identification. In Missouri, we just have the Black Rat Snake and the Great Plains Rat Snake. So the ID'ing traits may be different in the southeast where you are.

True, the keeled scales are more prominent in other species. But with digital photography you can get a good look at the scales. When using a taxonomic key for identification, smooth scales will split off to the characteristics that lead to a racer, while keeled dorsal scales split off to the black rat snake path. It is a nice rule to go by, I think, if you can get a good look at them.

Janson, I was just looking at one of my black rat spottings and remembered something. One of the best ways to differentiate a black rat snake and a racer is this: black rat snakes have keeled scales with a ridge splitting each scale into 2 halves, while racers have smooth scales with no ridge.

Updated. Thanks for your ID help Janson!

You may be right. I'm examining again. I have some more photos of this spotting that I'll add now. Let's get the ID right on this one!

Thanks for the description..I would have called it a Black Racer....now I must start looking more closely at the black snakes!

truly fascinating!!