Oh gosh, I love this! I have an animal rescue in Appalachia, and we live on a creek. A whole herd of water pilots live along the banks, and they keep most other species too intimidated to move in on us, except the black rat snakes. I love our snakes here and forbid anyone to harm them. And yes, I handle them when necessary, like last year when a succession of black rat snakes climbed our porch railings after a nest of baby finches. I released all three of those whoppers in the woods. I think I'm going to enjoy your posts. :-)