A large Regal Ringnecked Snake greeted me in my driveway as I headed out for the night to look for snakes. Ironically, this was the species I was hoping to see when I set out. This one was about 20″ long, which is large for a ringneck, though not so much so in Arizona. I got some photos and let it go on its way.
To another small snake, this is a terrifying sight. A venomous snake-eating specialist that will take prey almost as large as it is by clamping down tight and flipping over, using its atypically long body as an anchor. After releasing, it follows the mortally wounded snake, face to face, watching it until it either dies or needs another round of venom.
But to humans – totally harmless, not that it would bite anyway.
We found this Regal Ring-necked Snake crossing a roadway after dark in southeastern Arizona. Most that I’ve seen are in the day time … in fact, this is the only one I can find in my memory or notes that I’ve found at night. In this photo, it’s showing its characteristic defensive display, with a brightly colored underbelly and twisted tail.
