I was a bit startled yesterday afternoon while puttering out in my front yard. Not sure what gave it away but something made me look up towards the top of my hedges.

I have seen this Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) a couple times in my yard before (but on the ground). In a manner befitting its name, each time it zipped into the thick tangle of this hedge. Though I know most snakes can climb trees I was a bit taken aback to see this one at eye level.

Basking in the warm sunshine, the snake allowed me a couple photos before it disappeared into the foliage. I’m delighted that this nonvenomous snake resides in my yard, as the species excels at gobbling insects and small creatures (like lizards and mice).