It's that time of year when one must be a little careful while watering plants in the garden. I came very close to stepping on this Black Kingsnake while tending to my Coneflowers the other day.
This was not a very big Kingsnake as Kingsnakes go but no matter what size, they are all very welcome in my yard. 
As a matter of fact I was overjoyed to see him. 
Black Kingsnakes are resistant to Pit-Viper venom and they "readily eat Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Rattlesnakes." They are also aggressive but easily tamed..hummm... 
Now my other favorite snake is this Worm Snake. 
I cannot seem to dig a hole for a plant without running into this fellow.
They eat earthworms, which is what one needs in the garden, but if these guys are aerating the soil I guess we'll keep them around too. 
Morgan was more than happy to model this fellow for the camera.
She noted the point at the end of its tail and although they are know to be harmless they may push this point against the captor.
This was not a very big Kingsnake as Kingsnakes go but no matter what size, they are all very welcome in my yard. As a matter of fact I was overjoyed to see him. Black Kingsnakes are resistant to Pit-Viper venom and they "readily eat Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Rattlesnakes." They are also aggressive but easily tamed..hummm... Now my other favorite snake is this Worm Snake. I cannot seem to dig a hole for a plant without running into this fellow.They eat earthworms, which is what one needs in the garden, but if these guys are aerating the soil I guess we'll keep them around too. Morgan was more than happy to model this fellow for the camera. She noted the point at the end of its tail and although they are know to be harmless they may push this point against the captor. No one was hurt or poked during the filming of this post!
18 comments:
You have a whole world of nature just steps away from your home. It is very cool
Yay! I love black king snakes, and that little worm snake is a cutie patootie! Considering where you live having a king snake around must be a comfort! Have a great day, dearie!
We have a Kingsnake or two or three or a bunch I think. I am glad they are here but I gotta tell you I still scream like a little school girl when I find one unexpectedly :) Now the Worm Snake Morgan is holding, I think it's pretty cute. We also have quite a few Prarie Ring Necks. Great pictures Eve. Hope you have some sunshine there, rainy and dreary here all week. Dang.
Awesome! I am so jealous- it is great to have Kingsnakes around. I haven't seen one of those in our yard yet- but we have seen the Eastern Worm Snake. Have a great day!
We love snakes around here too. The saying seems to be true if you let the non poisonous hang around you won't be bothered with poisonous ones, at least it's been true at our place. We have such a variety here of color and character, they are so intriguing. I still jump a bit when one suddenly moves that I hadn't seen but then grab my camera for a photo op.
Cool snake shots! Morgan is braver than I when it comes to holding snakes.
Wow, Eve, you have quite the assortment of reptiles in your yard! Rural Rambler and I have something in common... when I see a snake I scream like a little school girl too! Not really - I just thought that was funny.
Beautiful new header Evie.
So let me get this straight. You welcome Kingsnakes because they prey on the venomous snakes in your yard?
Yikes! :)
Oh my goodness! Eve, I would have jumped in the Jetta, locked the doors and waited for DH to come home!
Yes, that is a little 'un. It is delightful to have them about. Mind the vipers though!
The king snake has lovely markings. I like snakes. I spotted a little garter snake scurrying under our deck the other day. My mother in law hates snakes. She doesn't care if it's a good-guy snake. To her they're all bad!
Eve:
a mere mention of the word snake and I'm "out of there", good snake or not
I noticed your Iron Miles have increased to 717.
bob
Wet Coast Scootin
Excellent snake shots with a very brave assistant! I wouldn't be caught anywhere near them ....nope! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! You've got so many snakes around you. I would be scared of being in the garden or take a walk in the nature . The king snake is not venomous, but is its bite like a wasp or something?
You've got rattle-snakes and other venomous snakes nearby, which the king snake is able to take and eat - and then it is of course a shame if it is declining.
But I freeze to ice just thinking about a rattle snake! And the king snake rattles too. - How do you know what is rattling in the grass?
Cheers
Thyra
Thanks for all your comments!
Thanks for stopping by Paula!
Thyra...Hopefully with the Kingsnakes by the house I wont have any rattlers. I did see one down the driveway last year though, so we really must be careful. The Kingsnake can't make a rattle noise with his tail unless he is in the dry leaves to create the sound. The best bet is if you hear a rattle....back away from it no matter what is making the sound. Screaming like a little girl may or may not help!! hahahaha!
Ha! Glad no one was hurt! That Morgan has no fear!
Hi Evie, 'tis good to be back in blogging action. I'm glad you have good guy snakes as well. I think that worm snake is very similar to our Slow Worm which is actaully a legless lizard.
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