Common Kingsnake

I was just getting ready to go out in the yard and dye some fabric for the next monoprinting lesson when DH rushed into the house to grab his camera. I followed him outside and watched (a good distance away!) while he photographed this four foot long kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus). They are common in the Pine Barrens but we hadn’t seen one in quite a few years. Although harmless to humans, they are powerful constrictors and prey on lizards, mice and birds. They also eat rattlesnakes and copperheads (they are immune to their venom). This one posed long enough to have his portrait taken (note the tongue) before quickly slithering away into the woods…



Common Kingsnake