The lovely Speckled King Snake, which kill copperheads by constricting before they swallow them. We had one on our place for several years, but haven't seen one now for 5-6 years. And have seen a copperhead almost every year since the King disappeared.

I'm SO glad you posted this picture!! I love the king snakes, and was very upset when I saw one that was killed on our road recently. I have several, all sizes, they know me as well as I know them--in mowing, they'll raise their head real high, to be sure I see them.
Last year, I put my hand between the cat, and the snake, till I could pick her (the cat) up. They arent the slightest bit agressive--and please--if you're one that thinks the only good snake is a dead one--bring me all your king snakes.
Need I say I feel strongly about the King Snake?

Girls, you are educating me! I didn't know anything about King Snakes and don't think I have ever seen one.

That's a great picture, Helen.

You're educating me too. I have seen Prairie King Snakes in my yard but have never seen a Speckled King Snake. Great photo. I like the ones that are easy to distinguish from anything poisonous. Prairie King Snakes always make me jumpy. I have never killed one though.

Gorgeous Speckled Kingsnake!

He's gorgeous! We discovered a large one living in our barn right before our house sold. I hope the new owners didn't kill him.

I wish I had 100 of these snakes. I was happy to discover a biggish one today at the garage door.
We live next to a swampy area and also have just put in a new small lake/large pond. The first I've seen in the pond is a broadbanded brown watersnake. So thats one harmless and one beneficial.
We intend to be more active outdoors this summer and I dread coming across the rattlers, copperheads, and cottonmouths. I doubt I'll see one in time unless the pets are with me, they love scouting around.