This is a mature black rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta. It is fairly common in this area. The white chin is characteristic. From the photos it is not possible to see the faint ridge (keel) on each of the mid-dorsal scales- these might be seen on the actual photographs with a magnifying glass. The body is not round in cross-section, instead is relatively flat on the lateral aspect and taller (somewhat like a loaf of bread.) Immature black rat snakes have a pattern of blotches that gradually disappears as they reach about 18 inches or so in length. The adults are often found in garages sometimes in the rafters because they can climb quite well. A number of years ago one shut off the electricity to a good portion of Radford because it climbed up and then tried to move between electrical lines near a transformer, short circuiting the electricity and, of course, it did not survive. Some individuals tame readily, others don't. They constrict their prey. I have at least one in my yard which has grown over the last four years from about three feet to above five feet in length. They help to keep the rodent population under control.

 The black racer is similar but relatively uncommon in this area. It has a much thinner body, the scales do not have a keel, and they move very quickly.  Eastern king snakes also have scales that lack a keel. Most of those in this area have have a distinctive white chainlike pattern.

Dr. Gourley is a retired biology professor from Radford University.