identification of a snake
Posted by Linda Neu on July 15, 2006
Q: I found a snake in my yard and would love to find out what it is and if it is dangerous to people or my 2 dogs.
I live in Rio Rancho NM. Very close to an open mesa.
The snake was gold or yellow, thin and small about 12 inches or so long. It had a black head. Black tongue that flicked in and out quickly. When it tried to get away it was 1/2 above the ground vs slithering along the ground. I was doing yard work and moved a railroad tie that had been in the spot for a long time.
thank you Linda
Habitat: desert
State: New Mexico
Habitat: desert
A: Sounds like your snake was a Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps). This is a small, nocturnal snake that is totally harmless for you and your dogs. These little guys feed on insect larvae, centipedes, and other creepy crawlies. Hope you don't mind "sharing space" with this animal.
John Wiessinger ( July 15, 2006)