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Project Noah Nature School
Pantherophis obsoletus
This beautiful black snake appeared to have been attempting to cross the road in my suburban neighborhood, but was reared up and preparing to do battle with a robin which looked like it'd just landed in the street to frighten it! I pulled up just as the confrontation was about to begin and the bird took off! A neighbor came out and we discussed possible species and we believe it's a black ratsnake. It had a beautiful dark black coloration, not very mottled, if at all. White flecks between scales. We estimate between 5-6' long. Snake was docile and calm as we photographed it. Didn't seem threatened or in any hurry to escape back to the treeline.
Suburban neighborhood surrounded by mixed woodland.
It is definitely a Rat Snake. The body is the right shape, and the ventral and dorsal colors are spot on.
I've been doing some searches, and for the most part the black racers look like they are pretty evenly colored. This guy/girl had some white between scales on the anterior, and showed me no propensity race away. ;-) Very graceful, and took it slow and easy. Looking at some other sources, but I'm leaning hard toward black ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) from what I've seen so far.
I have a feeling that the robin must be trying to protect its fledglings or little ones. Otherwise why would such a little bird take up this scary snake? I hope that the babies if any are safe!
Spotted on Jul 12, 2011
Submitted on Jul 13, 2011
