We only really get garter snakes here. I don't see many but wish we had more. I like snakes being around. (BUT, we don't have any venemous snakes here)
Same deal here - the garter snakes amuse the kids, control the bugs and aphids, so they are fine with me. the Okanagan desert to the south has the rattlers though.
I prefer the 220 lb black bear on the yard vs a rattler - the cat takes care of the mice (and presents the proof at the front door), crows transport the mice elsewhere, and the 12 lb jack russell trees the bear. so far, a better year than last.
Well my new friend is still hanging around. Dogs don't bother him much, sort of takes his time & goes another way or under something. Although he look's to be moving slow, he does cover a lot of distance very quickly.
Think he has been hanging out under a bird water dish, dogs keep alerting to the water dish.