May I introduce Lady Snake . . .

[AndyS]

She is a Texas Rat Snake and as the name implies a great asset to have around. She's about 15 inches long and just barely big enough to catch a small mouse.

These were shot in my studio where I created a set and placed lighting before retrieving her from the refrigerator--rat snakes are very active and not inclined to cooperate with mere photographers. My refrigerator is set to 40f so she isn't harmed in any way, just made lethargic for a few minutes.

Isn't she pretty?

[tblue37]

1. Lovely lady. I used to have four pet milk snakes. I love snakes!

[MLAA]

2. I love milk shakes!

[Ocelot II]

3. Pretty snake!

Aren't rat snakes kind of bitey? Is that why you cooled her off? And have you turned her loose now to eat more rats?

[AndyS]

4. Yes to all three questions.

Rat snakes are agressive and very active. Given any opportunity they will flee the scend ASAP. By chilling her to 40f she still flees but much more slowly so I can direct her and get her to pose. I do the same with insects.

[wryter2000]

7. One of my snakeys never bit me

The other bit me exactly once in the 22 years I had him. He was getting ready to eat the mouse (pre-killed) I'd given him, and I moved my hand in the wrong place, so he struck. What my friends call a SFE: Stupid Feeding Error.

I handled my snakes just about every day, so they got pretty nonchalant about the human hand reaching into the tank. Lots of people keep corn snakes, and you can buy them from breeders so you don't have to take them from the wild. But I've heard stories of people picking up wild corns with no biting.

They're bred is so many colors and patterns, you could never expect to have them all. https://eastbayvivarium.com/search?q=corn+snakes&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

[wryter2000]

5. Corn snake

She looks exactly like a corn snake, which are also called rat snakes in the wild. They are wonderful pets. i had two, both sadly dead now. One lived to 22. I miss my snakeys. I keep wanting to get one, but I don't know where the tank would go in my tiny apartment. Plus, I'm not sure the management would allow reptiles.

She should grow to 4 feet or more but remain slender. Thank you for the picture. I love snakes.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. These photos really show her beautiful markings! Super well done, Andy.

The symmetry of her skin is amazing. And I love the shape of her head.

Thanks for sharing!

[ShazzieB]

8. She is lovely!

I know a lot of people are creeped out by snakes, but I've always found them fascinating. Many are quite beautiful.

[MuseRider]

9. I used to work with snakes at

our local Zoo many many years ago.

They are interesting and fun to take care of. Beautiful too.

Nice snake.