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Pitbull · 05-12-2007, 05:56 PM

I need your help guys.

We found this big effin snake in our backyard. Can you guys take a look at it and tell me if I need to be scared or not?

I live in Fort Worth, Texas. It was about 3-4 feet in length and it was climbing the branches of a tree. At its thickest point, the girth was about the size of a toilet roll hole. Its head appeared to be black, and creamy white underneath.

I took some pics so you could see the color pattern, and shape of its head.

Left Center

Head is in the lower right corner

Stretched across the center of the photo

Head is pointing towards lower right corner

Stretching from bottom center going up

Jras0001 · 05-12-2007, 06:05 PM

Im not an expert on snake or anything like that but Ive seen tons of them being from the south and all. I wish you could have taken shots of its tail so I could be sure but the back pattern looks like it might be a type of rattle snake. However, Ive not heard of them climbing trees like that unelss they are going to mote or lose their skin. If thats the case, then dont get any closer because thats when they are the most dangerous. They cant see very well and will strike out at just about any movement in defense. Like I said, I dont know for sure but thats what came to mind when I saw the back pattern. Do you recall if there was any type of tan colored pod looking growth on the tail?

Pitbull · 05-12-2007, 06:15 PM

Yeah, no rattle...just a pointy end. But I've heard of some rattlesnakes that are now evolving and are developing without a rattle to avoid being detected and killed. I've encountered a rattlesnake before, and this one didn't resemble the ones I've seen. The snake I encountered today had a solid black head, it was shiny, and white underneath. The rattlers I've seen have had a triangular head, but this one had a head that was a little more round.

Greenman · 05-12-2007, 06:40 PM

It looks like a black headed woma to me. If you had some clearer pictures I could tell you for certain.

Black-headed python: WhoZoo

My website

Greenman Exotics and Ball Pythons

Pitbull · 05-12-2007, 06:48 PM

Thanks, Greenman.

If I had to say, the colors look pretty close to the woma, but the head is different. The head on the woma is alot more round than the snake I saw. My snake still retained some of the traingular shape, although the angles weren't as sharp as they are on a rattler.

I wish I could have gotten closer, but I didn't want to risk it.

Greenman · 05-12-2007, 07:03 PM

How big around is it? Like a coke can?

Pitbull · 05-12-2007, 07:05 PM

It was about the size of a hole on a roll of paper towels or toilet paper.

Nimmy · 05-12-2007, 07:09 PM

looks like a common python to me pitbull, i would be ok with it, doesnt look venomous

Nimmy · 05-12-2007, 07:10 PM

also by the colour of its underbely id say its shedding so it will be placid for a while

Rocky12233 · 05-12-2007, 07:33 PM

Man, that snake has got some size on him......

It doesn't look like a woma to me....womas heads are a lot more rounder than that ones is....

I know for a fact it's not a rattler......

Hmmmmm.....

No native species to texas that I can think of looks like that so I would guess it was someones pet???? I'm gonna ask a couple people and i'll get back to ya bro....

I would bet money it's a python...just a matter of what kind lol

RockemSockem · 05-12-2007, 07:44 PM

It looks like some kind of python to me. Not easy to tell though. Sorry i can't be more specific than that.

MTKrav911 · 05-12-2007, 08:34 PM

That's what I was thinkin, some python anaconda lookin SOB. That's scary ****.

If I were there for ya Pit, I'd take my .45 and plug a few holes in it for ya before that SOB bites you god forbid!

Dirty Fighter · 05-12-2007, 08:54 PM

Looks a little like a gopher snake to me. They are not venomous. It's native to the southwest.

stock photography, Gopher Snake, Pictures, Information, Photographs, Snakes, Serpentes

opsy · 05-12-2007, 09:16 PM

LOL, that's when you know you've spent to much time on FF, when you know who the "snake guys" are :P

Dirty Fighter · 05-12-2007, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opsy

LOL, that's when you know you've spent to much time on FF, when you know who the "snake guys" are :P

No such thing. If it gets to the point where your family leaves you and you lose your job, it's okay. That just means you have more time to come on FF.

AikaImmortal · 05-12-2007, 09:33 PM

Pretty snake, let it be, it dosent have a viper head, it wont hurt anything..

I think Dirty Fighter is right as to waht it is but I am not for sure.. my sparring partners girlfriend had her college graduation today and I am quite out of it right now

opsy · 05-12-2007, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty Fighter

No such thing. If it gets to the point where your family leaves you and you lose your job, it's okay. That just means you have more time to come on FF.

Touché dirty fighter, Touché

Pitbull · 05-13-2007, 01:00 AM

Thanks fellas for all of your input.

Ok, so I think I have an idea of what it may be. I googled 'Texas snakes' and I found this.

'Texas rat snake.' The head shape looks to be the same, and its black on top and white on the bottom. According to some info I found, the length is about right and its supposed to be a climber.

Quote:

The adults are from 4 to 6 feet long, but I have actually caught one near Zilker Park that was 7'1" long! These snakes will eat any kind of rodent, birds, and bird eggs. They are excellent climbers, and will go into attics and under homes in search of prey. These snakes are very aggressive when cornered or captured. But hey, if your main diet consisted of rats, you'd probably have an attitude problem, too. These snakes are constrictors, but not venomous. If you don't have any food for them around your house, they will tend to stay away.

Austin Area Snake Identification: Snakes With Blotches

I posted the link so you guys could check it out and tell me what you think.

Jras0001 · 05-13-2007, 02:41 AM

I think you've found a match Pitbull. Look at the patterns on the back of the last pic you posted and then the one clear one that really shows its pattern in the first group. Its almost a perfect match. Of course, I was way off the first time so I wouldnt listen to me if I were you. For all I know, I could say "ya, its a rat snake all right" and it turn out to be a cobra, haha.

Nimmy · 05-13-2007, 06:32 AM

my uncle used to keep rat snakes and i think a few guys on here do as well, they are aggressive but not venomous, just leave it alone and its cool