Snake Identification Question

[DisneyCP2002]

I could really use some help nd I'm hoping this is the right place. This evening we found this snake in our house:

It is dead and no longer in the house but we really would like to know what kind it was. As far as we could tell it didn't have a rattler. Other than that we are clueless.

 

[disneyfreakk]

It looks like a copperhead snake. Its kind of hard to tell from your photo.

Google "copperhead snake" and see if the pics look like your snake.

If it is a copperhead, its a good thing that it's dead, they are poisonous snakes.

 

[Bkk40in2011]

That is my guess too. Weird it was in the house though. I didn't think they did that. Hope it wasn't. I would have the exterminator out pretty quick if it was to make sure there aren't more. They normally have a nest - not to scare you.

 

[disneymarie]

Rat snake to me, but I do not live in your area and it wasn't in my house.

Glad it is dead.

 

[NotUrsula]

Since you are SURE (??) it is dead, take a detailed photo of the head, especially the eyes and the area in front of them. The detail of that anatomy is what is most useful for a proper identification, because copperheads are a species of pit viper.

You should be able to call your local vector control office for help in identifying the animal, but in the meantime, here is the best guide I've ever seen in terms of the specific characteristics of a copperhead: http://www.virginiaherpetologicalso...-likes/copperhead-look-a-likes/copperhead.asp

 

[dejr_8]

Juvenile rat snake have a protection mechanism that makes them look like copperheads. Judging by the size of the snake I would guess that is what it is. Juvenile Copperheads will have a yellow-tipped tail.

The site that NotUrsula gave is a very good one.

Since we have moved to NC, we have become pretty good at identifying copperheads.

 

[WL Fan]

(cowering in my snake-free living room...)

Even tho it's sleeting and snowing right now, I'm SOOOO glad I live in Michigan! Ick!

 

[The Pink Cupcake]

I am not exaggerating when I say: If I found that in MY home, I would still be in the hospital from the massive panic attack brought on by such a sight

 

[Liberty Belle]

I am not exaggerating when I say: If I found that in MY home, I would still be in the hospital from the massive panic attack brought on by such a sight

Oh my gosh, me too. And then I'd take out our savings (if it was going to be a long stay) and stay in a hotel with the kids (and DH if he wanted, but he probably wouldn't)until the house was exterminated TWICE.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

Looks like a baby black rat snake to me. They look like copperheads when they're little. The difference is with the eye and head shape. Non venomous snakes had rounded heads and round eyes. Poisonous will have triangular heads and pupils are not round.

I had a baby black rat snake in my carport last year. Scared the you know what out of me since I thought it was a copperhead.

 

[Jennasis]

It could be a corn snake but the traingle shape on it's head marking sort of make me think copper head as well.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Does not look a copperhead to me. The head is not right. Get a closeup of the head, that is how you tell the difference.

It is hard to tell from your pic. I am thinking Texas Rat Snake.

 

[The Pink Cupcake]

Oh my gosh, me too. And then I'd take out our savings (if it was going to be a long stay) and stay in a hotel with the kids (and DH if he wanted, but he probably wouldn't)until the house was exterminated TWICE.

 

[Jennasis]

I could really use some help nd I'm hoping this is the right place. This evening we found this snake in our house:

It is dead and no longer in the house but we really would like to know what kind it was. As far as we could tell it didn't have a rattler. Other than that we are clueless.

copperhead:

corn snake:

rat snake:

 

[MerMom60_94]

copperhead:

corn snake:

rat snake:

I now officially have the heebie jeebies!! Ack!!!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Rat snakes in TX vary in color and are more common. Esp with getting into a house. They can climb up a brick wall.
They like to seek out rodents.

So OP in either case check your attic for rodents.

 

[disneychic2]

I am not exaggerating when I say: If I found that in MY home, I would still be in the hospital from the massive panic attack brought on by such a sight

Me too! But first you'll have to scrape me off the floor!

 

[disney_mommy]

copperhead:

corn snake:

rat snake:

Okay, now that my panic attack is over (this thread, and most definitely Jennasis' post, should come with a warning!), I vote for the corn snake on the left. That's what it looks like to me.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Yeah, it's definitely NOT a copperhead ... copperheads all have that distinctive bow-tie pattern; this snake's coloration is square-patterned.

Looks like the left-hand corn snake to me, too!

 

[MiniGirl]

My first guess was a corn snake. We found one in our house once, but it was a bit smaller than the OP's. The coloring and markings were the same though. If you still have it, though, OP, I would try to find out what kind of snake it definitely was.