Snake identity
Posted by judy fancher on October 15, 2005
Q: I cannot identify a snake that I found under a mat in my garden. Later I found a juvenile in my worm bin. Both were solid gray (almost silver) with an orange/yellowish underbelly. Thank you for any help.
Habitat: pond/lake
State: Alabama
Habitat: pond/lake
A: The only snake I can figure that your description fits seems to be the Eastern Coachwhip Snake (Masticophis flagellum) These snakes do vary in color so color is not a sure identify clue and they may have their tail or even back part of the body reddish in color. These are especially active, fast-moving snakes that will certainly bite if grabbed but are harmless. Google this animal and see if it looks like the one you saw, realizing that your snake may be colored a bit differently than the one pictured. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( October 16, 2005)