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What is this..??..Texas Garter Snake..??....SASP Tx North Unit (1 Viewer)

I did not see this snake....!!

Yesterday in SASP North Unit Tx.

It's been really hot, the Concho is not flowing, most of the pools have dried up. I haven't been on the trails for a couple weeks, maybe longer. A front moved in two days ago; a little rain, a little cooler, didn't break 90, it's been in the 100s for weeks.

I had to hike 4 miles to the nice pools; lined with Mesquite, Pecan, and Live Oak. It was worth it, lots of early migrants and some regulars.

I was chasing a small mixed flock, snapping photos, looking mostly for warblers and flycatchers. I heard Titmouse(s) but didn't pay it much mind. Snapped a quick shot and moved on.

Last night I opened the file, this is what I got......a Texas Rat Snake..!!

You can see a Bewick's Wren (previously mis-ID'd as a Titmouse) to the left of it's head, just off the trunk on a branch. A Ladder-backed Woodpecker is off to the right above it's head on the trunk at the tip of highest/farthest protruding branch with leaves.

I did not see that snake. Pissed me off, I would have enjoyed watching it.

I see a lot snake out there; in the river, along the banks, in wood piles but I rarely get good photos. This shot was a nice surprise.
 

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Today in San Angelo State Park North Unit

For some reason the park has a week off from hunting, 2-9th. Hit the trails this morning at the North Unit 7-A, first time I've been back to that section since August 31st.

Evidence of hunters at the good viewing areas; ear plugs, shotgun shells, and water bottles. Whatever happen to "Don't Mess With Texas"...??...pisses me off.

Caught this snake in the North Concho River. Spooked it at the bank, it jumped in and swam across to the other side.

I have a blurry picture of it's tail, nothing special just a pointy tail.

I did a google search but couldn't seem to find the right pattern for an ID.....I don't know, is it a Rat Snake?
 

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This is the third one I've seen, never knew what they were. I had photos of the others but they weren't good enough to post. Looking back, I came across them not long after the rains, when the river pools were high. I guess I know when to expect them next time.

Thank you sir.
 
Welcome. Good pics helped nail this one down - particularly the 3rd one where the blotches on the side are very visible.
 
Yesterday in the park, came across these two Ribbon Snakes eyeing each other in a mud pool on the bank of the North Concho River.
 

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