Snake Identification Help

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I found this in my driveway this afternoon. It was about 18" long, and I haven't found the other piece. It had a triangular head and I suspect it is a copperhead. Can you help me confirm or deny my suspicions. I hope I'm wrong.

I have a 6 month puppy. He has turned out to be quite a hunter. He has dug and killed 4 moles that I know of. If he got this snake and bit it in two, it would have had plenty of room to strike based on how far back it was severed. I have examined the dog and found no evidence of a bite. He isn't acting lethargic or sick in any way. We may have dodged a bullet, me and the dog.

 

[om21braz]

It does seem to have the markings of a Copperhead, and the head is triangular in shape. Check out the link to a picture of this one - it compares well. It's been a while since I've seen one - hope it stays that way. At least it's dead and you & yours are unbitten.


http://www.leosciencelab.com/userimages/blog_files/copperhead.jpg

 

[TNTractor1]

Head does not look wide/triangle enough for a copperhead, but not 100% sure

 

[Mounted Madness]

Ya know...I'm finally understanding why guns are as prolific in the United States as they are...it's those snakes all you southerners keep reporting on...and killing...

Keep up the good work...

And don't let them migrate north of South Dakota...

 

[jinman]

100% Rat Snake (chicken snake). Copperheads are very light and dark tan with hourglass markings that are extremely easy to identify. The pattern on the back of that snake is a dead giveaway that it is a rat snake.

 

[dex3361]

Its not a copperhead. Doesn't have the hourglass design on its back. Look at its eyes a copperhead will have vertical slit shaped pupils and so does a rattle snake and a water moccasin. Rat snakes have round pupils.

 

[Western]

100% Rat Snake (chicken snake). Copperheads are very light and dark tan with hourglass markings that are extremely easy to identify. The pattern on the back of that snake is a dead giveaway that it is a rat snake.

That's my $$, raised a bunch of them over the years.

That's the kind of snake you want around.

 

[8NLUGNUT]

Defiantly not a Copperhead.

 

[kycontrols]

Not a copperhead. See attached image.

It is a rat snake. Here is a link with pictures of different rat snakes. Species Profile: Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta) | SREL Herpetology

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Thanks for the replies. Glad to hear it's not a copperhead. The triangle shaped head had me concerned.