A-luring Tails
Posted by Susan Martin on April 24, 2006
Q: My husband just killed a black snake about 2 feet long with thin yellow stripes on its body & yellow belly We live in north west georgia. What kind of snake does this sound like?
A: From your description and location, the best I can come up with is a Rat Snake. You live in an area where the Black and Yellow Rat Snakes interbreed so their young look about like what you described.
I'm sorry you killed the snake as it was a nice ally for you against rodents. Rat snakes are really good ratters and feed on a variety of these small mammals. They'll help keep the rodent population down around your house. I realize not everyone likes snakes but these guys are harmless and really are an important check on rodent populations. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( April 25, 2006)