Snake people - what is this?

[HVAC]

Don't Kill It!

That's a King snake like we'd have out this way. While fishing I've climbed over logs crossing a creek only to see one of those big boys sleeping inside the bark. I steer clear of them even though they aren't poisenous. They supposedly get after the rattlers and that's good enough for me to want to leave them alone.



I might be a good thing to introduce them to PA to control them two legged rattlers : )

 

[Scot]

It looks similar to my Florida Kingsnake (Chad). Mine was used for exhibits until the owners needed less mouths to feed. It is docile unless surprised. Kingsnakes will eat pretty much any creature that will fit down their throat.



We have Copperheads around our place. Several years ago I was walking to the shop about dark when I saw a snake take off. My first instinct was to snatch it up but I thought it might be better to get the flashlight out of my truck that was 20 feet away. Turns out it was an adult Copperhead.

 

[dan brooks]

Been a week for critters.....

Saw this while out 'wheeling on Saturday. Don't see these very often anymore... . which is just fine by me.

 

[dan brooks]

Another view - ugly sucker, ain't he?

 

[HVAC]

Gila Monster

Those things will make you sorry your alive. I believe they have a very toxic bite which will make you miserable. Rattlers just have venom.

 

[dan brooks]

Oh yeah, they're definitely bad for your health. Plus, once they latch on they don't let go - needless to say I didn't get very close (used the zoom lens on the camera to get some good shots).

 

[MMeier]

Dan, what the heck was that??:--)

 

[klenger]

I've heard you have to be pretty unlucky to get bitten by one. I guess they have to knaw on your skin to inject the poison, and kind of slow too. Of course, you probably know I can be pretty unlucky at times. I am trying to learn to respect God's creatures, especially the ones he created after he had a few beers on Friday night.



Good pics buy the way. Where did you see it?

 

[dan brooks]

MMeier - It's a Gila Monster. This one was kinda small (maybe 18" long from head to tail). A friend that was with me (same guy who I. D. 'd the snake) said he was fairly young and probably just started being active this year because his tail was pretty thin - they store fat in the tail to keep them alive during the winter (sounds kinda like my ex... ).



klenger - A couple years ago I saw one crossing a major road and was surprised at just how quick they can move..... at least that one did until he was squashed by a car. Still, it's just another reason for me to keep my distance. I don't think you would have to worry about getting bit unless you were playing with one or maybe had him cornered, but I'm not taking any chances.



We saw this one while doing Upper Woodpecker, a 4X4 trail north of Florence. Also saw some decent size bobcat tracks in Box Canyon... . too bad we didn't see the cat.



EDIT: Here is some info about Gila Monsters:

http://www.gila-monster.org/