Just asking. We have acquired (or maybe the other way around) a 4' black racer. I've walked up on him several times. he hangs out under the AC unit and when water is discharged comes out to drink. He cruises all over - under the deck, front porch, walk way, flower beds, ect and although shy doesn't seem to be alarmed when you walk by him, he just finds a place to hide. Between our half feral cat and the traps I set the chipmunks and mice don't last long. The dog definitely doesn't like him and the cat ignores him. I'd kinda like to tame him so he'd stay close. And his name is Slick.

They are curious and will follow you sometimes. I've had one do that.

I wouldn’t think so - I suspect they are drawn to either food or safety. We had one a few years ago that hung around the house a while, but I suspect he was there for the chipmunks.

racers can be testy, as well. i'd leave Slick be, and let him work ...

SNAKE!!! ..... GO GET THE RAKE AND SHOVEL!!!!..... Hell to the naw......

train all of them with using napalm.

Black racers are supposed to be one of the hardest to handle

They can be quite testy (as stated above) if they feel threatened, so I don't know about ever "taming" it. Sounds like you're both comfortable with the situation, as is, so don't see why it would move on unless the food source is depleted or it feels harassed enough to.

I caught a 4' Rat snake once, took it home and put it in the small barn out back. I was working on a bench under a short roof one night when I got the feeling I was being watched. I turned my head and was eyeball to eyeball at FOUR INCHES to that snake. I spun away and ran into a 4x4 face first.
A week later I walked out back barefooted at night and stepped on him...and ran into the door frame trying to get away.
Damn that mouse getter, he had to go before he made me kill myself.

If it’s hanging around I’d bet it was a speckled king snake

You got too much time on your hands Glenn!!! Get back to Larry’s ASAP!!!

If we ever have an Aldeer cd this thread makes the cut.

You’re a better man than I am. I wouldn’t even consider letting it hang around. My wife was weeding one of her flower beds in the backyard Saturday. She screamed SNAKE! My son grabbed a shovel and took off running toward her. He thinks he’s big and bad. He got over there and the snake started chasing him. Took him about 10 minutes to build up the courage to stand his ground. He ended up killing it. Black racer close to 4’ long. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. Wish I would have videoed it.

need a flute, wicker basket and balls of steel..

and if it turns out Slick is an eastern king, thank the Lord and surely leave him be. Slick will take care of any venomous snake issue - with malice ...

We had a speckled king living under our patio for a while. Seen him a few times but not in a year or so. He was feeding on chipmunks. We have since had a few more cats come into the area and have not seen him, but the chipmunk numbers have dropped a good bit.

I thought they taught all you southeners how to do that in church

I had a black snake chase my push mower one time. He retreated, but on the next lap around he came after me. My mom was angry because i took off with the mower still running and me pushing while sprinting. I mowed day lilies, monkey grass and two newly planted azalea bushes. I hate snakes.