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Black Rat Snake
If you get too distracted by spring blooms or birds, you may not notice the rustling in last years leaves: the size and length of a black rat snake can be pretty alarming when it's right at your feet! But worry not! Though it may pretend to be venomous by behaving aggressively and shaking its tail, this species is a constrictor: they do us a favor by keeping the rodent population in check. If you're lucky enough to see one, say hello, leave it alone, and carry on with your day!
Credit: Michael Schramm/USFWS. Original public domain image from Flickr
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