Western Mud Snake (Lifer)

[muddoc]

I have seen three of these since I lived at my house (11 years now). I actually dove in my pond chasing one, but didn't catch it. Well, yesterday during my daughters birthday party, the cat was looking very intrigued by something. So I went to have a look. Low and behold, there was about a 30" Western Mud Snake (Farancia abacura reinwardti). This is what I consider to be one of the most beautiful indigenous reptiles in my area. I have read many accounts and descriptions of this animal, and true to the writings, this snake didn't true to bite, and never even hissed. They seem to be really friendly except for the fact that they like to hold on with that point on the end of the tail.

All in all, I was very excited to handle this animal, and be able to snap a pic for my collection of wildlife around the house. If you would like to look at other stuff I have catalogued, you can visit my wildlife collection at www.baileyreptiles.com/wildlife.html.

Here are the pics:
If you look close, you can see a small lump by my ring finger that I thought looked a lot like it had just eaten a small frog.




Thanks for looking,

[TheWinWizard]

Cool, that is an awesome looking snake for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[mainbutter]

Awesome stuff! We'd find mud snakes (I assume easterns) when I lived in Louisiana, always loved their red bellies. I haven't seen a pic of one in years, very cool find and thanks for sharing.

[Jyson]

Stunning snake! Wonder if anyone is breeding them...

[Emilio]

Thanks for sharing Tim that thing is a beauty. Gonna keep him?

[Aes_Sidhe]

Nice find.. Very beautiful Animal

[grits]

Awesome find Tim. We go field herping alot and have only seen 2 around here in the wild.

[muddoc]

Awesome stuff! We'd find mud snakes (I assume easterns) when I lived in Louisiana, always loved their red bellies. I haven't seen a pic of one in years, very cool find and thanks for sharing.

The difference between Eastern and Western spp is the number of bands. Easterns have 53 or more and Westerns have 52 or fewer. Also, the top of the bands on Westerns are rounded, versus the pointed tops on Easterns. I think the Westerns are generally brighter colored as well.

Thanks for sharing Tim that thing is a beauty. Gonna keep him?

I released it right after the photo shoot. I have enough issues with all of the Balls hatching this year, that I don't need any more. Although I would love to have one of these one day, since they are so beautiful.

Awesome find Tim. We go field herping alot and have only seen 2 around here in the wild.

As I stated, this is only the third one I have seen. While I don't think they are very rare, I think they just stay hidden a bit better.

[LadyOhh]

Very pretty!!!

[Melody]

Beautiful snake! nice catch