This is just outside of Dennis Johnston Park. When the park is open, there is easy available parking. Park is open Dawn to Dusk, closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Texas (Western) Rat Snake
Although not a pretty snake, this is one of my favorite snakes.
August 30, 2001, I came home from work and found a coffee can, with holes in the lid, on my front porch with a note attached. The note said, Mom I know that you will know what to do with this. Oh no, I thought, this can't be good. Inside was a 12 inch long baby rat snake. She was very dehydrated and had an obvious back injury. My son had found her at work, stuck to duct tape. Well, I nursed that little baby back to health and as I type this, she is 22 years old and almost 6 feet long.
The Texas Rat Snake is the most common snake encountered in Texas and in a variety of habitats. It is a harmless, completely non-venomous snake. They don't attack people and are one of the best rodent predators. (Hence the name rat snake). When captured, the light pressure of their jaws will usually only leave scratches but will defecate and produce a foul smelling musk from its cloacal glands. They are long dark brown-mottled snake often found in trees, rafters, attics, abandoned automobiles and machinery. Also called a "Chicken Snake" for its attraction to hen houses. A lot of chicken owners are learning to keep them around and don't mind loosing an egg or two due to their great ability to keep the rodents under control. They average 42 to 72 inches long.
