I have been corrected, common gray rat snake.
I've owned a pair.
They are usually mellow and like to be left alone. Like most snakes, they'll bite defensively if picked up, but no big deal.
As long as everything is sealed up in your basement, he won't enter unless a mouse chews it's way in.
I'd introduce it to your family as a new pet that likes it's space and will protect the property from pests, copperheads and rattlers. Take pics for the scrapbook.
☕🙂👍🐍
