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David E. Ross · 25-05-2009, 05:23 PM posted to rec.gardens

On 5/25/2009 5:51 AM, wrote:
On Mon, 25 May 2009 16:19:09 +1000, "David Hare-Scott" wrote:

wrote:
Found a black snake hanging out by a concrete downspout run off
block. snake was probably about 30" long with about a 1/2 inch
head. Definitely a baby as they'll grow up to 6 - 8 feet around
here. He was either drinking or sunning himself on the concrete.

Anyway... chased him back into his hole under a shrub.... ...
trying to figure a few things out.... like WHY is he here...

I had a few field mice in the house, killled about 6 of them using
traps and just
threw the bodies under a few bushes in front. They disappeared
overnight,
however I thought snakes won't eat anything that's already dead.
Wondering
if that's what attracted him.

Have rabbits and doves in the garage...in raised cages...several feet
off the floor.... not sure if that's what attracted the snake. I
know the odors attract other rabbits.

And we have the usual assortment of wild critters hanging out...
bird nests...
found a few eggs on the ground, squirrels, couple of stray rabbits.
Plenty
of food for the snake to eat, plus a few snake predators, foxes,
falcons, vultures,

So, do black snakes make permanent dens in a location or are they
fairly transient ???? Any way to discourage him from hanging
around ??

Sprayed the shrubs with a mixture of water / ammonia and If I see
him
again. he'll be relocated to avoid taking chances with the pet
rabbits and doves.

But I'm curious.... eastern black snakes used to hang around barns
and old farm houses... do they settle in long term or just
termporarily.

Thx...

Peter
Are you talking about the venomous black snake(s) of Australia, the
non-venomous sort from north America or something else?

David

Maryland US. Eastern Black Snake non-venomous

Try posting your question at the rec.pets.herp newsgroup.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary