Who Ya Gonna Call?

Snake Busters! I received a call from a panicking coworker this morning, who was looking at a black snake in the holly outside her front door. I assured her that it was harmless and would be eating things she wouldn't want to have around. She was afraid to go outside! I offered to come get it. Of course, by the time I arrived the snake had vanished. I searched a bunch of holly (ow) bushes pretty thoroughly, but there was no sign of it. I'd brought Isabel along for the ride, so she came out and was admired and petted by all. As I was leaving, I heard a loud rustling, which sounded like a lizard jumping, to me. Then my friend shrieked; the snake had raced across her steps. I put Isabel in the truck, and went back. I spotted it in a bush, but it disappeared. So as I was foraging around, it came out and was cornered by the steps. I made a grab, and missed. It went back to the corner, and I tried to talk to it. "It's ok, I won't hurt you." It was rattling its tail for all it was worth. I poised to strike again, and this time I got it! I knew I had some bites coming, and I was right. I took about three bites before I had it by the neck. My friends had run into the house and slammed the door. I brought the snake over to show them- nice little male black racer, about two feet long, with a stubby tail and a couple scars. As I was showing him off, I chanced releasing his head, and was promptly bitten, drawing more shrieks from my friends. I popped him into a snake bag and went home, after being congratulated on my bravery.

Once I had him home, I took him out of the bag. I wanted to get some photos, and see if I could calm him down enough to stop the biting. I thought maybe he would like to pose for some flower shots!

He thought he would like to bite the camera!

After that, I had him help me think about the deck layout. He made a good subcontractor, but never agreed to stop biting. Although he was pretty cute, and I was attracted by his stumpy tail, I decided I really didn't need a WC black racer, who bites, who is undoubtedly loaded with parasites, who doesn't fit into any breeding plans, so I reluctantly released him into Terra Pen. He won't stay. If he hangs around the house, I have a nice anole population for him to enjoy. But I love my lizards! Oh well, he's probably miles away by now. My herping goal of the year is accomplished- I'd really wanted the challenge of catching a black racer, although I didn't picture making the capture in suburbia...

Nice catch Nanci! Those black racers do love to bite! I caught 1 by the tail once (never did that again!) and was bitten repeatedly on the face, arms, and hands plus a bonus of musk all over my hand. I decided real quick he won and let him go on his way away from the road.

I've caught a couple babies who bit a LOT, but never managed to get my hands on an adult before. I knew what was going to happen! Actually, I've only tried catching one one other time, and missed by a mile. I don't know any better technique for catching a fast snake other than quietly sneaking in as close as possible and making a sudden grab. It's not like the snake is going to hang out while you pin it down safely.

They dont change as adults. I have caught many black rats and the adults are usually pretty tame. I have never seen a calm black racer.....

I wanted to be the first to tame one...I gave up after about fifteen minutes! I caught a black rat in North Carolina once, just picked him up, and wound him around my neck and took him on a mountain bike ride to try to catch my friends. He took it all very calmly- like people took him for bike rides all the time. I wonder why they are so different...

Nice pics and good discription of the hunt and capture.

Nanci is my hero! haha, that was such a great story! I've never tried to capture a wild snake before. Do black racer bites hurt? Or is it more like a corn snake bite?

It's no worse than an adult corn bite. A few shallow slices, a few pinpricks, a few drops of blood. You can see the bite marks on my thumb in the pictures. It stopped bleeding as soon as I washed it off. My friend was so funny- she brings me a bunch of bandaides and neosporin. No really, I'll live!

Sweet catch and cool photos...gorgeous snake...and letting him go was the way to go...

Great story! I really need to get off my butt and go prowling around! lol

Good story, and nice set of pics.....You did right letting it go, last thing you need is something bringing in the dreaded lurgy.....

What a neat story! Im very excited to start catching some snakes around my area again.

Great story! I got to see one of those hunting lizards once. I was just sitting there watching (captive free-ranging) lemurs sleep in Georgia, and then watching a lizard sitting on a dead old tree trunk tipped at about a 60 degree angle. To my surprise, a black ratsnake came surfing up the tree out of the leaf litter. It was SO fast! What it reminded me most of is footage of cetaceans that come riding up through the surf after prey and beach themselves--all that speed--but the snake made a much more graceful exit than the cetaceans do.

Great story, and Mr Bitey was probably trying to show you his gratitude! (Did you apply the stat internal alcohol cure for those wounds?)

Great story thanks for sharing...I love little black racers, tough catch and always full of piss and vinager... Good photos too...

I saw my black racer tonight! I was weed whacking, and the second I started it up, there he was! He made a run for the AC, and I left him a patch of tall grass up against the house.

Awesome Nanci! You definitely do what you set out to! Way to go!