Snake Rescue
Came across this little guy in a perilous portion of pavement. He’s been relocated to a forested area where he can hopefully grow large and eat many squirrels. Apologies for the photo quality, time was of the essence.
I’m no herpetologist but after some online investigation the only Georgia snake I could locate with that distinctive yellow neck ring was the Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus). A closer examination of the underside might have given some more clues, but at the time my main concern was to get him to a safer setting.
(eNature)
Secretive. Most often seen under flat rocks, logs, or loose bark of dead trees. When threatened, red-bellied forms tightly coil the tail and elevate it to display brightly colored underside. Rarely attempts to bite when picked up, but will void musk and foul-smelling contents of the cloaca. Partially constricts prey, which includes earthworms, slugs, small salamanders, lizards, and newborn snakes.
Description 10-30″ (25.4-76.2 cm). A small slender snake, with a yellow, cream, or orange neck ring and bright yellow, orange, or red belly. Back gray, olive, brownish, or black; belly frequently marked with black spots. Neck ring may be interrupted, obscure, or occasionally absent. Loreal scale present. Scales smooth, in 15-17 rows. Anal plate divided.
