SNAKE!!! How do I get it out of my run? Help ASAP appreciated!

[RWD]

A hoe would have worked much better. We do not believe in snake rights.

 

[6of6chicks]

UPDATE - I'm virtually positive I can ID the snake (in case anyone is interested or finds similar snakes in their own coops). It's a blotched water snake, which is harmless. I got a copy of the Lone Star Guide to Texas Snakes, which has a picture of every snake found in Texas. That's the only snake that matches the snake in my run. Description is 2-3 feet, grey-brown coloring with bands, yellow bellies, stout bodies with short tails. Exactly like my guy.

Often mistaken for cottonmouths (VERY similar coloring), but my snake was a little too big, never opened it's mouth, didn't emit a musk smell when threatened with a rake, and I don't *think* it had slits for eyes or heat-sensing pits - although I certainly didn't get close enough to be sure, lol!

So I'm sleeping a little better at night, but I'm still not wild about all the snakes I'm finding in my yard. No wonder my lizard population - which used to be thriving - has all but disappeared. Might have to try minnow traps and have animal control re-locate any I catch.