[reefhead]

I found this snake under a cement block in the garden. It was all black with a small gold/yellow ring around its neck, can u help me id it?

thanks,
Joe

[BTL]

It is called (get this) a ring neck snake. Completely harmless, i would just let him be, he will help keep your insect/mouse populations down, we have a 5 foot long rat snake that takes up residence in our garden and keeps the ground hogs and bunnies away .

[petpoor]

BTL is right it most likely a ringneck snake, totally harmless. Will eat insects but not mice.
Tom

[reefhead]

thanks guys,

It was only 6", still just a little baby!


cheers,

Joe

[FishKid]

If I am correct (and I think I am) Ringnecks dont get much bigger that 6". I would steer clear of picking it up, as with most "harmless" snakes have can excrete a nasty substance when frightened! it stinks to high heaven!

mark

[ranaman]

Well ringnecks, technically are mostly harmless since most experts consider them to be rear fanged and their salvia has toxic components. It would take a great deal of skill to get envemonated by one and you would be up for the darwin award if you got killed by one. Nothing to lose sleep over just a fun snake fact. There have been envenomations by garter snakes but these involved the snake trying to eat its handler's finger and not letting go for an hour. A ringneck would have do the same and its teeth would have to penetrate the skin. BTW there is only one species with quite a few subspecies. Some of the western subspecies are alot bigger some can get almost 30" thats a big ringneck.