Snake identification please

[Gaston]

I was running at Winterfold in the Surrey Hills when I realised there was a large snake on the path in front of me. I only realised it was a snake as I came level with it, but it did not move. I stopped and looked at it for several minutes and only a few slight movements of the head confirmed it was actually alive. I ran back to my car, drove home, collected camera and drove back - about 25 mins altogether - during which time it had not moved. I took several photos, left and then returned again about half an hour later. It was now curled up in the grass. By the following day it had gone.

It was at least three feet in length. I thought at first it might be a smooth snake but the markings don't seem right. Can anyone help? Here are some photos:

[wildherbalian85]

Corn snake maybe.

[JaySteel]

I have a three and a half foot corn snake as a pet and it doesn't look like yours I'm afraid. I know they vary considerably in colour and patterns but the head shape looks quite different too.

[NickCantle]

Flippin' eck, I would have been a bit

I adore snakes but seeing anything that's not native just sat there, I would have proceeded with great caution- though I do recognise King Cobras

I'll watch this with much anticipation of finding out what this badass is!

To add, how are you not more excited about finding that!!!!?!?!?!

[JaySteel]

I would say that it's definitely not venomous though judging by its eyes. I would have no hesitation about catching it and calling an animal rescue centre.

And my pet corn snake only became my pet after it was spotted in someone's garden and I was asked to catch it.

[Ferret]

I am no great expert on snakes but I think this is a Bull Snake or Gopher Snake which are part of the North American Pine Snake group.

JaySteel please do not try to judge whether a snake is venomous by its eye shape, especially if outside the UK. This method only works on our three British species Smooth Snake, Grass Snake and Adder as the only venomous one, the Adder, is a Viper which tends to have a vertically slit shaped pupils. Vipers share this pupil shape with the North American Rattle Snakes but many other deadly snakes do not share this pupil shape, i.e. the African Mambas, Asian Cobras, Australian Brown Snake, American Coral Snakes and many others, a bite from any of these without medical help and maybe even with it could be fatal in days or even hours. If you are not TOTALLY sure of a snake’s identity it is best just to look and not touch.

Ferret

[The Woodman]

It looks like one of the many Rat Snake species for sure.

There's a dedicated website at

The Ratsnake Foundation - Bogertophis - Ratsnake Species - American Ratsnakes - Articles.

[Monkey Orchid]

Looks quite like a Grey Rat Snake (or Gray Rat Snake, if you want to use the American spelling).

Apparently these usually grow to a length of 3 - 5 feet, although specimens have been recorded at 6 feet. They're not venomous but can bite if handled (they also vent foul smelling liquid as a defence, much like Grass Snakes do). They're good climbers and also burrow underground, and prey on rodents, birds, lizards and frogs.

I'm impressed at your cool in getting these photos - like NickCantle, I would've been extremely wary if I'd come across a big unknown like this on one of my walks!

I wonder if it'll survive the UK winter? According to the Internet, their native range is the southeastern United States.

[Gaston]

Thanks for your suggestions...looking at other photos of Grey Ratsnakes on the net, they all appear to have light grey irises. "My" snake's irises were brown...would they vary within one species?

[Monkey Orchid]

Good point about the brown irises.

Now I'm thinking, possibly a Texas Rat Snake... These are reputed to be pretty aggressive and almost certain to bite if handled. Apparently they are popular as pets - not sure why, with a temperament like that!

May be worth posting your pics on a specialist snake/herp enthusiasts' site, see if any reptile pet owners can confirm ID.