What is this snake? Copperhead? (West: snakes, area, photos)

[astrohip]

Found this snake curled inside a planter on our front porch at our ranch tonight. Copperhead?

[DanielWayne]

I think it's a Texas Rat Snake. Hard to explain, but Copperhead patterns are different with less black.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by DanielWayne

I think it's a Texas Rat Snake. Hard to explain, but Copperhead patterns are different with less black.

Thanks. I'm having a tough time telling the two apart at night.

[astrohip]

Did some more image compares, and I think you're right. Markings are more Rat Snake, and not so much Copperhead.

Thanks again.

[BirdieBelle]

Plus the shape of the head is a good indicator.

Venomous snakes, like copperheads, typically have triangular heads, while non-venomous have the smoother shape this one has.

[hellpaso]

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

Plus the shape of the head is a good indicator.

Venomous snakes, like copperheads, typically have triangular heads, while non-venomous have the smoother shape this one has.

Not necessarily true.

The snake in question is a non-venomous Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus), formerly called a Texas Rat Snake. He won't hurt you. I'd rather have one of these guys instead of a rat!

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

Plus the shape of the head is a good indicator.

Venomous snakes, like copperheads, typically have triangular heads, while non-venomous have the smoother shape this one has.

Originally Posted by hellpaso

Not necessarily true.

The snake in question is a non-venomous Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus), formerly called a Texas Rat Snake. He won't hurt you. I'd rather have one of these guys instead of a rat!

Thank you both. He's still coiled up this morning, I guess he's waiting for a meal to walk by.

I didn't want to kill it if it wasn't a Copperhead.

[astrohip]

PS: No chickens! Thanks for the heads up.

[TheMoreYouKnow]

Copperheads are generally very easy to distinguish, they're gorgeous snakes but I hate them with a white hot passion.

Most of the copperheads in our area will lack the red tint and look more like this.





They'll have a diamond shaped head.



They also put off a pretty distinct smell but by the time you're close enough to smell it you're probably in trouble anyway.

[astrohip]

Thanks, good info, especially on the head shape. I get confused because they both appear to have similar markings, although when you know them better, they really are quite distinctive.