Hubby saw this one last night, we have determined is not poisonous, but would like to officially confirm identification of the little critter. We believe he may be a ratsnake, we live in Louisiana. would appreciate your help. Here are a couple pics.



Thx.

I throw my vote in for a (southern) black racer, if it is , a baby or juvie

I say water snake.....Nerodia species.

http://www.geocities.com/onias_2000/SnakesofLouisiana.html maybe this link helps

maybe yellow bellied water snake. Creek is a little ways back at the bottom of a cliff. Woods aren't as close, we had to clear a lot out after Katrina, but they still aren't that far away. Exerpt from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries:

http://www.wlf.state.la.us/experience/lawi...siana_water.cfm

"Identification: 16-45 inches. Dark gray-green above, yellow below. Young snakes of this species are marked like other water snakes: pale with large, squared, alternating blotches.

Habits: The yellow-bellied water snake is less aquatic than the other water snakes and may be found some distance from water in wooded areas. It occurs in most habitats within Louisiana."

From Snakes of Louisiana: (Thx for the link BTW! )

http://www.geocities.com/onias_2000/yellow...watersnake.html

"Dorsum gray or greenish gray, usually plain, but sometimes with traces of pattern persisting as light (but dark bordered) transverse bars across center of back. Belly plain yellow, often washed with orange; occasionally with dark pigment on bases or ends of ventral scutes. Scales keeled; anal divided."




What do you think?