Chickerychick, I'm glad we killed it, no matter what it is! I could barely stand to touch it knowing it was dead n' stinkin'. We leave king snakes and garters alone, but not by MY choice. I'd kill every last one if it were up to me. Peeps, can they eat it if it's been dead for an overnight, at least? Thanks for the help everyone! Rat snake it is.
Last spring I saw one of my chickens eat a small but plump snake (about 6 inches long) and I FREAKED OUT. I didn't just freak out, I mean I FREAKED. OUT. (Did you get that?). I worried all night long that I'd wake up to a dead chicken. I thought the venom would kill her, but all was well - at least with the chicken - yet I was still pretty upset about it. Worried about that chicken for days.
Thanks for the help everyone! Rat snake it is.