Snake Identification: Black Rat Snake on Your Deck

Likely ID

A black snake 12 feet up on a deck is almost certainly a rat snake—harmless and excellent for rodent control. They are skilled climbers.

All non-venomous snakes in Georgia are protected by law. Killing them is illegal.

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Herpetology Identification website for snakes, frogs, and amphibians.

About Gardening: Ringnecked Snake: A Harmless Garden Helper; Copperhead Snake Identification: Venomous—Observe, Don't Touch; Identifying the Northern Water Snake: A Harmless Creek Resident; Rat Snake Egg Identification: Harmless and Beneficial; Managing Snakes Around Your Home; Snake Skins in the Attic: What to Do; Gray Rat Snake: Harmless and Protected; Stomping to Deter Snakes: Vibrations Work; Snake Deterrents That Don't Work: Lime, Mothballs, and Real Solutions; Deterring Snakes from Your Patio: Remove Food, Shelter, and Water

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