WC Central Illinois Black Rat- Red/Orange Belly!

Hello,
Tell me if this desription is interesting or not. I caught a 3.5-4 ft black rat snake crossing a country road. It has retained some of its juvenile pattern and has red/orange color in it. I know that these are not unknown or uncommon. What struck me about the snake was that fact that it is a docile as a captive raised corn, and the extreme amount of red it has. Let's see, The first 1/3 of the snake is the usual black and white, though it does have reddish skin starting behind the head. It also seems to have a white band down its entire length(skin)about half way up its sides. Keep in mind the scales are black.Now, about 1/3 of the way down the orange gets darker on its sides and starts in pale and patchy on its belly. The color gradually gets deeper as you go, until the last 1/3 of its belly has practically ALL of the white replaced by red/orange. It does have the standard black checkering. I think the depth of orange color goes all around the animal as by the time you get to the tail some of the scales are orange or have orange patches on them. The area above the vent to the tip of the tail(even though it is black) even has a ruddy cast about it. I'll get photos up as soon as I can borrow a scanner. Tell me what ya think. I am happy with him.(I think it is male, not probed though) Thanks.

Seems like you are having a lot of fun there. Welcome to Fauna. I would love to see pics when you get them up. For odd reasons some snakes are just even tempered and could care less if they are held. I have seen gopher snakes and other snakes in the wild I would almost swear they are captive breed or even long term wild caught.

My female has a decent amount of orange on her belly also http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...84&page=1&pp=5
I've caught black rats whose temperments have ranged from the super mellow to spawn of Satan, guess it just depends on the individual :*)

She is very handsome. I wonder if the picture doesn't do her justice. You will have to see photos of mine. Ill get them up as soon as I can.