So, this is what I found in my basement this week. This is not my photo, I didn't have the presence of mind to get my camera and snap a photo, but this is the species. It is a juvenile black ratsnake. They are not poisonous, they are in fact quite helpful, being rodent hunters extraordinaire.... still, I don't really want them in my basement. I didn't find them (yes, them) in pristine condition, some were dead, but some not. When the extractors came to remove the dead ones (the ones I found first) there was a lovely shiny scaly coil behind, curled up around our pipes. Sigh. Now we are waiting for the rental agent to get the info to get it sealed up. I don't want them killed, they are good snakes, just not IN my house!
