Black Rat Snake

[jeffnles1]

We saw this one in SW Ohio on Dec 2. Very unusual to see a snake in a tree this late in the season; however it was unseasonably warm and we had about 18 hours of very heavy rain so their winter hole may have been flooded and they were absorbing some of the late day warmth. It was fairly dark in the woods so ISO was high resulting in some noise.

The snake is striking a defensive pose. After shooting a couple photos, my wife and I moved on down the trail to let it go back to whatever it was it was doing. Winter is hard on wildlife and I don't want to stress them any more than necessary.

 

[Steve Pruetz]

I love snakes. Great pose. Nice capture.

Steve

 

[jeffnles1]

thank you

 

[jeffnles1]

Here is another view with flash. Only shot this one didn't want to disturb it any more than I already had. After this last photo, I moved on down the trail. It didn't seem to mind me being there or the flash, made no effort to move away but still...

 

[K-Dub]

Nice capture, and I really like that you caught it with it's tongue out! I'm a snake fan, so it's nice seeing pics of them.

 

[jeffnles1]

thanks.

 

[Chato]

Actually, it's a Mongolian Death Adder, one bite and your dead in 15 seconds... :-D

(Sorry, couldn't help myself)

It is unusual to see them this late in the season. Great Capture!!!

 

[jeffnles1]

Thanks. Snakes I'm good with. If it was a spider, well, I'd be the one running out of the woods like my hair was on fire. (OK, not really on fire...)

 

[Bobby49]

I think that the image is better without the flash.

 

[jeffnles1]

I think that the image is better without the flash.

I agree. Lighting is not as harsh. One of the myriad of problems photographing non-captive wildlife is they don't always pose where there is sufficient light or a great background.

J

 

[StanyBuyle]

Great picture. Thanks.

 

[jeffnles1]

Thank you

 

[Michael86]

Great pose and great shot. Love snakes

 

[jeffnles1]

thanks