GIGANTIC Texas Rat Snake

[Jubilee1111]

This morning the crows were going bonkers, hopping around in a tree next to the barn. I just knew they were after a snake so I went out to see.

This sucker is the single biggest rat snake I have ever seen! It's at least 6 feet long and minimum 12 inches around. I have been trying to trap rats in my little barn for two months now with no success, so I am actually pretty happy it's here. I snake-proofed my coops last year after losing a couple half grown chicks at night.

I snapped this pic of it as it was escaping into a hole in the tree. It is about 15 feet up. I won't be having a rat issue for much longer

 

[Sparrow]

What a find. O_O Texas Ratsnakes are awesome, and you found an OLD one!

 

[Jubilee1111]

Yeah, Sparrow, I am pretty fond of most reptiles and amphibians. I am so glad to have this snake's help in managing the rodent issue. The rats are trashing my barn, peeing and pooping all over the sealed feed bins, excavating gravel from the foundation and making piles of it on the barn floor... and my barn STINKS! Saw 2 of them mosey out and walk around tonight while I was in the barn. It's the year of the Snake, hoping big mama (or papa) gets to work! LOL

 

[Silver Silkie]

Personally, I've disliked snakes and spiders all my life (especially poisonous ones), but when they control the rodent population, it makes it easier on us.