snake above bird feeder in Austin Texas (1 Viewer)

[Mr_K]

This snake climbed up to the 2nd floor apartment. No birds landed while it was curling over my peanut feeder. Any ideas what kind of snake it is? Any ideas how to keep it away from the feeders? Thanks. See attached.

 

[RJP]

Harmless Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus). Beneficial rodent eater - but they will also take birds and eggs. Snake repellents do not work and are harmful to the environment. There is little you can do besides re-arranging how the feeder is hung to make it harder for a snake to get there. But given your 2nd floor location, I would think it is not very likely the snake will return.

 

[Mr_K]

Thank you for your answer. I hope he comes back for a visit - except away from the feeder!