03/31/2026
My first relocation of the season! Yesterday evening, this little rat snake was on the porch of sweet young family who recently moved to Georgia from the UK. It's their first spring here and being unfamiliar with the local wildlife, this little guy gave them quite the fright. After I arrived, I assured them it was a harmless rat snake. They had three young boys excitedly watching through the windows of the house. With the parents permission, I was able to let the boys pet the snake, showing them how it was smelling them with its tongue. They seemed thrilled! Afterwards, I released the snake at the edge of the tree line on their property. Knowing there are copperheads in the area, I suggested to the parents that they familiarize themselves with our local venomous species and always be cautious about toys and other items left in the yard.
Opportunities like this are why I do this. I love getting to educate, calm fears, and (most of all) save these misunderstood creatures.π