What we have here today is a juvenile rat snake. Unfortunately, it is recently deceased in our front yard. I have no idea what happened to it. Hubby came in from the mailbox and said I found a snake in the yard. Alive? No. Show me.
Now, upon seeing this in your yard, alive of course, what would you do? Walk away and leave it alone? Do like me and get pictures and video? Or, would you grab a hoe and dispatch it? The final option would be like my aunt who saw a snake and SCREAMED for my uncle who had already left for work. This was in New Hampshire where there are very few venomous snakes to begin with.
Note that these snakes are non-venomous. Did your answer change?
These snakes are your friend and your yard's friend because, as their name implies, they eat rodents. As we know, rodents can carry disease which makes these snakes very beneficial to have around. They are not, however, a friend to your feathered friends as they also like to eat eggs.
Here is some additional information on our yard and garden buddies. Please click the link for the whole article.
The Natural Pest Control Benefits of Rat Snakes in Your Garden
2. Chemical-Free Pest Management
3. Low Maintenance and Self-Sustaining
4. Balance in the Ecosystem
5. Disease Reduction
Finally, if you are in the screaming or dispatching category, here is a video on the rat snake which might help put your mind at ease and safe the life of a well-meaning, helpful yard guardian.
Next time you see a snake in your yard, consider that it may be one of the good guys and just leave him to do his job.
Until next time, stay safe and stay sane.
