First snake of the year (Garner: transplants, crawl space, inspector)

[Xxtayce]

I grew up with woods for a back yard, so I've seen many a snake. When I was a kid, my dad told me that black snakes eat the other snakes. I have no idea if it was true, but we always left the black ones alone, and I don't think I've ever seen anything other than a green tree snake.

The thing you should be more worried about more is spiders. We have black widows and brown recluses here, both poisonous.

[yoda_jives]

Originally Posted by NedB

I used to have a real phobia when it came to snakes. My neighbors always knew when I came across one because I would scream like a little girl. I have four Garter snakes living in my backyard. To get over my phobia I named the snakes. The two living in the stone wall along my patio were named Harold and Maude, the one in the stone steps outside my office was named Uncle Al and the one down in the stones by the fish pond was named Obi Wan. Two summers ago I mowed over Maude and felt real bad for Harold (and Maude too of course). But early last summer I found him shacked up in the stone wall with a new one. Her name is Heather (Mills).

I still jump when I unexpectedly come across a snake, but I don't scream any more. I often sit on the patio (except in winter) with Harold and Heather sunning themselves on the stone wall 5 feet away from me. I'm actually going to miss my snakes when I move, but I don't necessarily hope to find new ones at my new home in NC.

Absolutely hilarious Wonder what happened to Obi Wan Guess I know what to do now when I found some in backyard of my new home.

[convergent]

Originally Posted by NedB

I used to have a real phobia when it came to snakes. My neighbors always knew when I came across one because I would scream like a little girl. I have four Garter snakes living in my backyard. To get over my phobia I named the snakes. The two living in the stone wall along my patio were named Harold and Maude, the one in the stone steps outside my office was named Uncle Al and the one down in the stones by the fish pond was named Obi Wan. Two summers ago I mowed over Maude and felt real bad for Harold (and Maude too of course). But early last summer I found him shacked up in the stone wall with a new one. Her name is Heather (Mills).

I still jump when I unexpectedly come across a snake, but I don't scream any more. I often sit on the patio (except in winter) with Harold and Heather sunning themselves on the stone wall 5 feet away from me. I'm actually going to miss my snakes when I move, but I don't necessarily hope to find new ones at my new home in NC.

Thanks for sharing that... you just made my thought about the snakes better. I'm sure we'll be naming snakes pretty quick.

[Rich6896]

Originally Posted by Rich6896

I agree, besides I'll handle my backyard ecosystem and kill snakes and mice with equal enthusiasm.

To amend my position. Black snakes are always welcome in my yard. As are all non-poisonous snakes.

I've killed 1 Black widow and 26 fire ant hills in my yard. My initial impression is that there are fewer skunks in NC than in NE.

[mommiewrites]

I"ve lost count of how many black widows I"ve killed. HAve to watch the kids toys carefully! I find one in the 'cozy coupe' car (underneath) several times a year! also under the slide on the playset They are DEFINITELY a larger concern than snakes! the snakes stick to the woods and the creek bed, and back in the orchards behind us and really very few wander up to the house .

I've come across a lot of critters but never a skunk.

[solstice621]

Are there any defining characteristics of poisonous snkaes vs. non poisonous?

And can someone tell me again what a black widow looks like? I thought they kept to themselves mostly, like hidden in shingles, sheds, etc.

[Xxtayce]

Poisonous is usually colorful and with a triangular-shaped head. (It isn't always true, but if you see anything similar, run the opposite direction and you should be okay no matter what.)

Detecting NC Venomous Snakes

Black widows seem to like any areas with shade, and seem to prefer the outside. They're black with a red hourglass shape on their body.

Brown recluse spiders are mainly a summer-fall concern, I think, but are also poisonous. They're brownish-red and also like dry, shady places.

Black widow spider - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brown recluse spider - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Queen Mommy]

Okay, I have to admit the snakes have me a little bit nervous (we back to woods with a lovely little creek meandering through the rear of the yard - apparently we live in snake heaven). I know they are back there... I have been told that the snakes are more dangerous in the Spring because they haven't warmed up enough after their hibernation, and so they are slow moving. Since they can't get out of the way more quickly they are more inclined to BITE! Also, what is the deal with references to the black snakes!! I thought they were harmless?! I know they are non-venomous, but I am getting the feeling they are biters?

Any truth to this??

My neighbors must think I am nuts banging and crashing around like some sort of drunken fool in an attempt to scare away the snakes while putting in flowers.

My screened in porch is starting to look pretty good!

[Xxtayce]

As far as I know, black snakes are harmless. They can get to be pretty big, though, so they're sometimes a little scary.

[sundaze]

Any snake, including a black snake or a garter snake, will bite if it is disturbed or molested. But if you leave it alone, it will leave you alone.