Front Porch Pet

Meet thamnophis marcianus - aka the front-porch, checkered gartersnake or Mouse and Rat Patrol.  If you look closely, you can see a lump from a recent meal. Within this same area we have also seen a coral snake and water snake or water moccasin (we didn't get close enough to tell), so we're glad to see this docile and more harmless creature take up residence. 

Gartnersnakes are good for the environment surrounding one's home because they eat bugs and mice. These grow to be up to four feet long and live up to ten years. We're hoping our little buddy here stays and even starts a family.