King snakes rock

[Gundy]

As I was watering the recently planted veggie garden (anybody heard of greasy back beans? ) a 5.5 to 6 foot Black King snake
slithered through the trellis entrance along the ground.
Beautiful, black top side with bits of white and that black
and white checkered board belly.
I stood there not 6 feet from the thing and as our eyes met
it just stopped. Thankfully my Boykin Spaniel hadn't spotted it.
She was too busy snatching drinks from the hose as I watered.
I dropped the hose and grabbed the dog's collar.
We must have watched each other, all 3 of us, for 3 or 4 minutes. Slowly and smoothly the snake turned to come straight
toward me and the dog. About a foot from us it made a right turn into the herb garden. The bird dog never flinched or tugged.
Just watched and quivered hoping for a "Go" sign.
Take THAT you frigging rabbits.
With the 1 1/2 year old pup's vigor and killer instincts
coupled with that King hanging around those rabbits are
going to be in a tight spot.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

King snake = your friend!

 

[Gundy]

King snake = your friend!

Agreed! I just let the dog out and within 10 minutes she found the snake on a lower lawn near a hedge. She assumed the butt up, front down play posture. The snake was not amused it seems.
It stacked up the body to rise Cobra like and confront the dog.
Sprite, the dog would jump forward and the snake would mock strike.
I went down and got the pup before any harm occurred.
I want the dog to have respect for snakes 'cause I killed
a 54 inch Timber Rattler a couple of years ago in my driveway.
I've found when the King hangs around the Copperheads and
Rattle snakes stay clear. Not to mention rats.
For many years I had a monster King living in the basement.
Construction workers killed it while I wasn't here. BUMMER.
Next winter rats moved in and it was a big hassle to
get 'em out.
Usually when I see one I pick it up and put it in the basement
but I wanted to try and teach the dog proper snake behavior.
I hope the snake appreciates the gestures and hangs around.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Yeah, you can't buy better protection against any nasty critters than a king snake!

 

[TR6BILL]

I-hate-snakes.

I must be biblical

 

[Gundy]

I-hate-snakes.

I must be biblical

That's where the snake handlers find inspiration too.
:angel:

 

[elrey]

Lampropeltis, [shiny shield] One of our most beautiful local snakes is the Coastal Mountain King, that wears a skin w/ red,black, white , black,red, black, white, black, red.... bands. Gorgeous! A non venomous supposed mimic of the lethal Coral snake. I can count the number I have seen in the wild on both hands and feel blessed each time I'm lucky enough to encounter one. --elrey

 

[JPSmit]

I-hate-snakes.

I must be biblical

Or Indiana Jones

 

[DNK]

Bill, you hate cats too.
Beginning to see a bigger picture

 

[elrey]

I've got books on snakes. I must be bibliocal. --elrey