These two guys were in our front yard near the deck. I did some research and they are bull snakes that can imitate rattlers. That is supposed to be a defense but people often kill them for the imitation not realizing they are harmless. They come out of hibernation in the spring ready to mate and have young. The males do this twisty thing trying to keep their head on top to subdue their rivals. The winner gets the female. These snakes kill their prey by asphyxiation. I’m thinking they are here to help control our rabbit population.
Two Large Bull Snakes
This is another photo. I also saw one of the snakes by the woodpile and the next day two of them duking it out back by the new shed. Maybe these same two? So they are active this time of year.
Bull (AKA Gopher) Snakes