natricine_nerd's Identifications

Found underneath a tarp I had left in the yard overnight, under tarps are the most common place to find them during the day in my experience, damp, cooler, and full of all the things they love to eat. I put the tarp back and laid it out a little better for general management. I’m wondering if the slight belly bulge is normal, maybe a recent meal, or possibly even a pregnancy- any info? Going to try to protect this snake and its habitat in my yard as much as possible, contacted the city about the issue and getting some kind of exemption for tall grass in that area but haven’t heard back from them yet.

Older photo I took in July ‘23 of Kirtlandii- I have many large slugs and earthworms in my yard for them to eat, brush piles and tall grasses as well (both of which the city hounds me about). If you know of any laws that would protect this snakes habitat in my yard and prevent code enforcement from trying to mow it down (which they have done recently) please email me at trentonmfarris@gmail.com