Animal Control Ratsnake Removal

Spring has arrived! It is one of my favorite seasons, not because of the change in weather, but because of the emergence of our reptilian neighbors...

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 74289588 - Eastern/Gray Ratsnake (Complex Pantherophis alleghaniensis); Walton County, Georgia. March 26, 2021.

I’d been waiting for our first animal control snake call to come over the radio from 911, ready to spring into action. Although I'm not an officer and work in the shelter, I'm able to go on a few snake calls from time to time. Toward the end of March, it came. “Meet complainant in Loganville reference six foot snake in the garage.” Upon arrival, I was met by a gentleman that signaled me toward his neighbor’s house with a greeting of, “I think it’s a King Snake!” My excitement level was raised at the prospect.

Entering the garage, an elderly gentleman and his wife pointed toward a five-gallon bucket in the corning. Wrapped around the edge was a nice Eastern/Gray Ratsnake (Complex Pantherophis alleghaniensis. Hanging down from my hand, the homeowner took a photo and heaped all sorts of blessings upon me and my family. It was probably just over four-feet long.
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Ratsnakes are the most common snakes I pick up on animal control calls in Walton County, Georgia. This caller’s home was surrounded by beautiful woods and natural landscaping. No wonder this Ratsnake wanted to live there! We have a brief photo session before releasing him to a less inhabited area.

Walton County, Georgia. March 26, 2021.

• Mostly cloudy, light showers, with a high near 80.
• Sunrise 7:30 am; Sunset 7:51
• Daylight Hours: 12 hours, 21 minutes (+2m 6s)
• Moon: 94.7% Waxing Gibbous
• Video footage: https://youtu.be/L_s9T5eWp9I

Posted on March 26, 2024 08:05 PM by williamwisephoto