That would be a Texas rat snake. A very beneficial snake to have around and I am very very glad you didn't kill him! A lot of snakes are on the move right now and people are killing them left and right not even knowing what they are.

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Rat Snake

Thank you SO much!
The person over the animal control told me it was a water snake. (a Diamond Back water snake)
I was thinking it was either a yellow bellied water snake, or a rat snake.
I don't kill snakes if I can avoid it, if they have the triangle head, and the slanted eyes, then they have to go.
(or if they are copperheads or rattle) but I don't assume that because one snake looks like another, that it is a bad snake.
Verify first. :)

Thanks so much for the answer!

THANK YOU FOR NOT KILLING IT!
I imported a TX rat snake from a friend's house to control the field mice that show up.
A neighbor kid informed me that her parents killed a big rat snake. Guess who has an overabundace of mice again?
I then saw the neighbor next to the people that killed the snake dumping poisoned mice over the fence back into the field. They were still twitching it was awful. I buried them so none of the animals or hawks would take one and die.
*sigh*

Sorry PJ that 'your' rat probably got killed. I'd like to import a few large ones to feed off the rats and mice around here. I did see a small one on the patio last night so am happy about that. Many people just don't know what a good friend we have in rat snakes, and other non venomous snakes. If you see them around you've probably got plenty of rats and mice you don't see. Often folks kill them and ask questions later. I finally got a few of my neighbors educated. My good friend and neighbor across the street used to kill them and then after a friendly chide about it she would call me and say "Ragna come over quick. I think I found one of your little friends." LOL

I was only able to get one neighbor to understand the snake's importance. The snake,which she was truly afraid of, took care of a family of rabbits doing some damage to the veggie garden she uses for her family. It's funny because she said the exact same thing your friend did and even called it "your friend". LOL! After we found out what the snake was after she let it stay. We both felt kind of bad about the babies but not enough to have them mow our gardens down.

Yeah, I can't think of any snake I have EVER killed!
When I got married, my hubby and I had a huge fight about a snake that we found in the back yard.
(actually it is the one in these pics)
http://www.glimmeringgems.com/images/snake%201.jpg
http://www.glimmeringgems.com/images/snake2.jpg

I was livid at the thought of chopping it's head off!
It did not have a triangle head, or the slits for eyes, so there would be NO killing that day!

I caught and moved this one as well.
Contacted our city office, and they came back telling me it was a yellow bellied water snake, but I am still not sure.

Is this one a rat snake too?
Found a baby one in my kitchen the other day, he/she is at the local creek as well.

Having said that, yeah.. you all are right, there are tons of rats around here.
You can see why by looking at the back yard next door in the images on my twitpic site here:

http://www.twitpic.com/photos/glimmeringgems

BTW- I have been a member here forever!
I shattered my right foot so have been out of the garden for a few years, but I am slowly making a return!
I have missed everyone here and also missed being in my garden!
EG

Oh, and the only reason I move them at all is for the sake of my dogs.
Vet bills are very expsnsive.
I think that is what got my Choc. lab in the face and caused an abcess.
My Retriever also had a small bite on the foot, probably from one of the babies, it was like half the size of a golf ball. But I noticed it quickly, and put peroxide on it, so she is ok now. :(

Yeah, that one is a water snake. Don't know what kind though, just that it's in the genus Nerodia.

Glad I moved that one!
It was not very fun to catch.
I am just about to buy a snake snare thing though.

I have been told the water snakes are more aggressive.
I have caught quite a few of these, most smaller though, and took them away.

Thanks for letting me know that I should be aware there are both types around here.

I am about to pick out one of these (unless you know of something better) I am thinking the 38" or 40"
Any thoughts on these or others products?

http://tongs.com/p_snaketongs.aspx

Thanks,
EG

I'd try it and see. I've never used a snake hook. I chase the snake into a corner then throw a pillowcase over it and pick it up. I have never had to handle a venoumous snake tho.