Snake on Snake

[bigmac_in]

Took a short hike today on a trail here in Indiana I hadn't explored before - Browning Hill if you are interested. Nice hike. This post is more about the attached picture - my wife almost stepped on this black snake eating another smaller snake.

The question is - what kind of snake is being swallowed?




http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/...?i=24732&c=550

[10-K]

Looks like a copperhead.

[bigmac_in]

Looks like a copperhead.

That's what I thought, but they aren't too common around here.

[canoehead]

Black Racer & Copperhead, whats left anyway.

[adamkrz]

Looks like a timber rattler lost to a black rat snake, Not positive though..

[Toolshed]

the clear victor appears to be a rat (black Rat) Snake. The loser - A Hognose or a gopher snake?

[10-K]

That's what I thought, but they aren't too common around here.

I can see why.

[Cookerhiker]

Not sure what kind of snake but what a great photo!! You gotta enter it into a photo contest somewhere. And what about submitting it to National Geographic or National Wildlife?

[bigmac_in]

Not sure what kind of snake but what a great photo!! You gotta enter it into a photo contest somewhere. And what about submitting it to National Geographic or National Wildlife?

Here's another one before I zoomed in.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/...?i=24742&c=550

[Bare Bear]

It is not uncommon for snakes to eat other snakes but what great fortune to get the photos!
The winner for all time award still has to got to the snake that ate the alligator that got killed by the alligator still alive inside down in the Glades. That photo came out just as I was starting my Florida Trail hike where the first 56 miles are wading more than walking. I sure was lonely out there for some company, or better bait??

[Idealist]

How cool!
I would venture… a Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsolete) was feasting on an Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos).

[Erin]

I agree with Idealist--the eatee looks like an eastern hognose. That is some big ratsnake and we get huge ones here in Mo. Great pic!

[bigmac_in]

I agree with Idealist--the eatee looks like an eastern hognose. That is some big ratsnake and we get huge ones here in Mo. Great pic!

After further research, I'm starting to agree with the Eastern Hognose ID, although the markings aren't exactly like what I've seen in pictures. Another option might be a fox snake, which is also found here in Indiana.

[Blissful]

Wow what a picture.

[hurryinghoosier]

Where is Browning Hill?

[The Weasel]

The tan snake is a Missasauga (sometimes spelled Massasauga) rattlesnake, which ranges throughout the Midwest and lower Ontario. It can be identified by the classic pit viper "triangle" head (clearly visible in your pictures) and the almost-diamond marks on its back and other markings. Hog snakes are very similar, but lack the pit viper head. "Missi's" are smaller than western rattlers, and I've often seen them in Michigan at about 1-2 feet, which is about what this one is. They are, of course, venomous, but I've had a couple of dry strikes into boots and shaken them off.

http://www.kwic.com/~pagodavista/sch...ps/ratlsnk.htm has a picture that is almost a twin to yours. Wikipedia's article on them is good. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massasauga

The black snake is almost certainly a Black Rat Snake. Again, Wikipedia has a good article, including a picture (go to the bottom) that is very close to yours. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaphe_obsoleta The article notes that Rat Snakes prey on other snakes, so this picture wouldn't be surprising, although it it very good.

Nice job.

[musicwoman]

I must be missing something...I don't see the head anywhere on the pics??

[bigmac_in]

Actually, you can't see the head of the brown colored snake, because it is mostly in the Black Snake's mouth. I thought the Missasauga was a possibility as well, and it IS native to this part of Indiana.

[musicwoman]

I sent the photo out to a friend of mine who is a herpetologist for ID. I hope thats ok.

[bigmac_in]

Where is Browning Hill?

Browning Hill (sometimes referred to as Browning Mountain) is south of Brown County State Park, near the lost town of Elkinsville. Elkinsville no longer exists - its inhabitants were displaced by the building of Monroe Reservoir many years ago. It is a nice climb to the top, and many people would call it a mountain after making the hike. Google it and you'll find out there is an arrangement of stones at the top that are sometimes referred to as "Indiana's Stonehenge".

PM me if you want detailed directions to the site.