Black Rat Snake.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantherophis_obsoletusThat's tiny compared to the specimen that used to inhabit the pile of rotting fenceposts out back. I got a stick under that one and lifted him up to shoulder height and he had 2 feet on the ground on either side. I'm going to say he was an 11 footer. He was also as big around as my arm. I haven't seen Mister Big for a while, but there are two of his offspring that hang out around the place. One is a bit smaller than this one. I like them because they keep the rodents down to a minimum.
They're about as docile as you'll find in any snake. I once deliberately tried to provoke Mister Big and it took a good deal of prodding before he went after me. They act like they're cobras, but they strike with their mouths closed. This one? After I took the picture I twiddled his tail. All he did was slide a bit further up the wall. He's still peeking out from the eaves. I think he's waiting for another sparrow to come back to roost.
