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Scarlet Kingsnake
Lampropeltis elapsoides

Featured image credit: “Scarlet Kingsnake” by soulsurvivor08 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The reason I think what I saw was a Scarlet Kingsnake and not a Milksnake is because according to the Virginia Herpetological Society, Kingsnakes are in my region, but Milksnakes are not. Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of the snake when it was on my driveway, so I am not able to “go back to the tape” to confirm.

Size: 14-20" long
Habitat:  Pine flatwoods, pine savannas, mesic pine-oak forests, prairies, cultivated field
Identification: "This snake is reddish with yellow (or whitish) and black bands that may or may not completely encircle the body; every other band is black. Checkered board belly pattern is not uncommon. the snout is reddish. Scales are smooth" From virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com
All text and photos copyright © 2022 Middle Way Nature Reserve, unless noted.
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