Thursday, October 9, 2008

Ring-Necked Snake

This tiny Ring Necked Snake was only about 3-4 inches long, which means he was probably recently hatched. Even when fully grown, they're small, growing to only 10-15 inches long. Although fairly common, they're not often seen because they're nocturnal and secretive, preferring wet hiding places beneath rocks and logs. While they do secrete a foul smelling musk if handled or threatened, they're not poisonous and pose no threat -- so if you come across one in your garage or basement, just relocate them outside. :)

8 comments:

  1. Love your blog!

    One nit pick here. There are no poisonous snakes. You can eat any snake!

    They can however be venomous.

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  2. I didn't notice the quarter in the second picture the first time I looked at this. Wow, he IS small. How cute!

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  3. Dante - Thanks for the correction! I appreciate all the help I can get! :)
    Andy O.- Get over it. Toughen up. ;)
    Lee - Yep, he was a tee-tiny little feller.

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  4. jUST GOT ONE OUT OF MY POOL WHILE MY KIDS WERE SWIMMING.

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  5. Sir you are wrong all ring neck snakes are venomous some have very weak venom and some like the regal ring neck snake have potent venom working faster than the coral snakes venom. But they are rear fanged docile and there venom isn't harmful to humans. although a allergic reaction would be a different story.

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  6. I just came across a tiny one of these, maybe 5 inches long, on the trail to Abrams Falls in the Smokies 3 days ago. It was about 7 p.m. and sunny. I picked it up behind its head to better look at it, it was my first time seeing one. After I released it off the trail I noticed a pretty foul smelling odor on my fingers. P. U.

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  7. And btw... I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed this website! Just spent an hour looking through everything including your photography. I'm a photographer wanna be/in training (self taught) and I have similar trail shots. Kudos on your beautiful photos! Will share this site on FB. I came across it by accident by Googling 'East Tennessee snakes'.

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