don't open this thread...

[Gato Moteado]

...if snakes freak you out. this is a close up portrait of an ebony keelback (Chironius grandisquamis)...a very bitey colubrid. they hang around my lagoon because they like to eat large frogs.

[AndyS]

1. Sweet portrait.

How big is s/he? I assume it's not poisonous so the striking is a defensive reflex relying on the idea that some of it's relatives are. In some cases if you handle them enough they realize you're not a threat and relax--it's a lot of work to strike as it's a wole body exercise.

[Gato Moteado]

3. this one was about 6 feet long....

...they're a nervous snake....it settled down a bit after being handled but would revert to striking every once in a while while we were photographing it. i don't think these guys make good pets.

[donniethemonnie]

2. beautifull photo

beautiful photo, glad i opened it hahaha

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Well, snakes freak me out, but not in photos!

Love the overlapping scales and the look it's giving the camera.

Super shot, dear Gato!

[thatcrowwoman]

5. 6 feet long?! Yikes!!

I’m usually okay with snakes as long as I see them before they see me.
🕊thatcrowwoman