Posted by Jennifer Fano on October 21, 2007

Q: Last night a snake was "discovered" by my cats slithering across my living room floor. It is very small; not sure if it's a juvenile or just naturally small. I took a photo of it before releasing it. It was approx. 8-10" long (it's hard to tell exactly- it was moving so fast). It has very distinctive markings- an average shaped body; banded body consisting of cream, thin black and thicker brown/ reddish stripes. It's head is a triangular shape- it has a brown stripe running across it's nose. It has a very thin tail.

I can email you a picture if you need to see it. It did not look like it had heat pits; but then again I didn't get that close! None of my cats became ill, so I'm assuming it's probably non- venomous.

I have been searching the internet and not having any success, so I'm hoping you can help me. Thanks so much for your time!

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Virginia

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: This is a juvenile Corn Snake, a common species of rat snake in the southeastern US. Corn Snakes are completely harmless; they eat rodents and other small animals.

Adults grow to about 4 feet in length, orange to brown with reddish blotches. They are really quite beautiful snakes, and are very popular in the pet trade.

You can read more about Corn Snakes and view images — including one of a young snake that looks just like yours — here.

Hope this helps.

Solon Morse ( October 22, 2007)