Yuck...when I had the black snake in the garden and then the next week another snake in my garage I looked up 'snakes in Arkansas' online. I really am not just a snake killer....however, the day one was heading right to my chicken coop door I had no problem killing it...then screaming for my DH to come and get it for me!! BUT, at least I had educated myself on posinous snakes in my area.....and recognized it to be a Copperhead right before I offed with its head. I am not sure I would not dispatch a black snake the same way if it got in with my chickens and they were laying. I understand they eat mice and rats, however, an egg that holds still and does not run away would be a much easier meal.
They scare the heck out of me no matter what kind of snake they are!!