I saw a very long, thick black snake in the middle of the Bridle Trail in The West Woods on June 10 around 5 PM. From research, could it be a Black Rat Snake or Eastern Racer? Just curious, including most importantly to confirm it's not venomous. Thanks!
This is a rat snake. They grow up to 5 feet (the largest snake in Ohio), are non-aggressive, and are highly beneficial in the environment. You may want to check out the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide for more on this species.
-Naturalist Denise Wolfe
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