assuming non-poisonous?

Anyone know how to identify snakes? This one strolled through my yard today. First one I'd seen in three years. With the small head, I'm thinking it's non-poisonous. Gray-black above, yellowish pattern below.

Squirrels cut off my tulips blooms as soon as they open up. They leave the stalk! Does anyone have suggestions how to prevent them from destroying my expensive and lovely flowers?

You have yourself a Rat snake. He will keep your mice problem down and not hurt anyone. Non-poisonous and nonaggressive as long as he is left alone. Really a rather nice looking snake too.

Will it eat seijasinikka's squirrel? Supposedly snakes are a natural predator of squirrels, but I don't think I've ever seen one attack or eat one. Maybe that big fuzzy tail doesn't seem near as appetizing as a nice skinny field mouse tail?

haha about the squirrel!
I am okay with having rat snakes, within reason.
I was hoping it would be a predator of vermin or even other snakes (king snake).

Not a big fan of snakes, but they have their place.

Rat snakes and king snakes both have the same temperment. If the snake is smaller then them they will eat each other. If the snake is big enough or the squirrel is small enough the snake will eat that too! :) Most snakes that aren't poisionous will keep the vermin down without causing any other problems.

So that must be part of the point of having a bushy tail? The squirrel looks like it's too big to eat?

Could be. :)

Julie;

Everything you need to know about Alabama snakes
http://www.outdooralabama.com/watchable-wildlife/what/reptiles/Snakes/