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Snake Identification

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From: Mike Zavadil
City:
Columbia, IL
I've found the carcases of 2 adult snakes of different species next to each other at the bottom of an old rotten railroad tie wall. One was a large garter snake and the other I could not identify. There was a very fast live snake on the scene as well but I was unable to get a good look as it quickly dived into a hole in the wall but can tell you it was dark grey with a yellowish belly. Could this snake be responsible for killing the other 2 snakes? And if so what kind of snake would do this?The dead snakes remained at the site for 2 days but disappeared after that and so I don't think they were eaten by this dark grey snake but carried off by a possum or racoon. Thanks.

 
Extension Message
From: Laura Kammin
Visiting Extension Specialist, Pollution Prevention
Extension-Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program
lkammin@illinois.edu
The two snakes were likely killed by a hawk. The other snake you describe sounds like a racer. The Illinois Natural History Survey has a great website that can help identify species of snakes. You can find their website at: http://www.inhs.illinois.edu/animals_plants/herps/ilspecies.html

 
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