As you can likely tell, I am no expert when it comes to herpetology and my instinct is to get away from any snake as fast as possible! I managed last month not to screech and levitate on a chilly morning when I discovered a 'large' black snake curled hose-like at the side of the lane. Jim, when summoned, examined it in long-suffering manner and declared that not only was it not 'large' but that it was a 'good snake'--a black milk snake who would presumably justify its presence by eating bugs and discouraging copperheads. I daresay I might qualify for a bit of scoffing by the locals who presumably take indigenous snakes in stride. My extreme distrust of snakes is a well entrenched part of me, but I will concede that being better informed might be advisable. - Sharon Whitehurst