How to id a snake skin??

Queen Bee · #1 09/19/08, 07:23 AM

I know there are a few 'snake' folk on here and I will admit I am a snake idiot--until now, too me, the only good snake is a dead snake. I am trying to learn about them so I can TRY take control of my fear.

This am I opened my front door and not two inches away lay a 6' long snake skin in perfect condition. No breaks , tears, rips until the head. So, how can I tell what kind of snake skin this is.. Is there away to tell the difference?? Thank you so much QB

Oggie · #2 09/19/08, 07:31 AM

I'm not really an expert, but I would say it is a big snake.

That's all I need to know.

Iddee · #3 09/19/08, 08:27 AM

In NC, 6 ft., on front porch?
Black Rat snake. Eats mice, rats, other rodents. An egg now and then.
Harmless unless you step over it before seeing it and have a weak ticker.

Queen Bee · #4 09/19/08, 12:56 PM

I read on the net that most skins are about 12" longer than the actual snake so..Maybe a 5 footer?? I have seen a very few snakes in our yard in the last 27yrs.. It's chain link fence with 4 very large hounds and 3 doxies, in fact we have very little 'wildlife' come thru that doesn't meet a quick death.. birds/fowl are OK but nothing with fur and no lizards, frogs or snakes--I HAD a fish pond-you know the pretty little ones with a water fall and bubblier??? It has since been destroyed by the youngest male hound and the male doxie! The hound swims thru it catching fish, frogs and lilies...The doxie keeps all the rocks turned over and there isn't even a bug that gets close to it without out his permission...

I couldn't believe that this skin was lying near the front door, in prefect condition... So, I guess everyone was sleeping on the job..LOL..will have to dock their treats!!!