FieldHerpForum

I found this young King Ratsnake (Elaphe carinata) last night in a meadow. At a mere two feet or so, it was merely half the size of the last one, but nevertheless an attractive reptile. So I carried it to a nearby construction site for better posing, placed him on a concrete platfom surrounded by a low wall, put down my camera backpack and took out and assembled camera and flash at a leisurely pace, assuming the serpent had no place to run. Well, that was the second time this week I underestimated a snake - no sooner had I started shooting, Stinky Boy decided my backpack would made a great hidey-hole. Luckily, he had either already used up all his stink magic, or he didn't feel like skunkin' anymore.....otherwise I'd have to buy a new pack today.

Good it was a rat snake and not a viper.

A viper wouldn't have looked for cover in the first place. Unlike the King Rats, they're gracious gentlefolk when it comes to posing for the camera.