TRR photo by David Hulse (Click for larger image)

Laying in wait

RIVER VALLEY — According to the Sullivan County Audubon Society, this Black Rat Snake, Elaphe obsoleta, is a fairly uncommon sight. Black Rat Snakes can grow to five or six feet in length, and are better known simply as “black snakes” locally. This young non-poisonous snake was hunting in the garden awaiting some small amphibian or rodent.