snake in the yard

[abnk]

Do you live by the airport?

Based on the description, it doesn't sound like any of the venomous snakes we have in IN. I'd just leave it alone and hope it will keep the perimeter clear of rodents.

 

[jag.40]

no i dont live close to any airport i have woods on all four sides of my yard with brush at the tree lines. about the only other type of snake i have found is a couple of Northern Ringneck Snakes back in the woods let all of them go im all for having snakes and spiders OUTSIDE, my only concern is walking down my basement stairs and surprise there he sits

 

[kolob10]

Probably a rat snake. They make a habit of "rattleing their tail when frightened. The have a reputation of being ill tempered. They are harmless and handy to have around.

 

[.458socomhunter]

Based on your location it could have been several species. Black Rat Snake, Black Racer or Black Kingsnake. All three species need not to be actually black. They change coloration throughout their lives. All will rattle their tail on ground debris when agitated. I'd need a pretty good picture to be certain.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw251

http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/snakes.pdf

A good book to have when it come to identifying Indiana's reptiles can be found here:

Books | Indiana Academy of Science

To the person that mentioned a snake keeping Copperheads away, they were probably referring to King snakes as they consume other snakes readily.