Wildlife Spotting

Scratch that! I think I figured out what it is. http://wwwnew.towson.edu/herpetology/reptiles/Carphophis%20amoenus.htm his small snake superficially resembles an earthworm. It is small, shiny, and distinctly cylindrical, and has a blunt nose for burrowing. It is unpatterned and typically gray or black above with a bright red to pink venter. It has smooth scales, small eyes, and the tail comes to a sharp point. Young are colored like adults, but are often much brighter.

Could this be some type of earthworm species? I know in other parts of the world earth worms get to be this size... maybe some type of invasive?

bhandma45, please accept my apology for the most recent comment that had been posted. This community is intended for education and support as we discover the wonders of the word around us and share! I look forward to seeing more spottings from your area.

With that slender body and head and no rattle on the tail, this is most certainly NOT a rattlesnake. Many snakes will shake their tails in the leaves to make noise to attempt to scare away predators. Here is a link to a website with Maryland reptiles. Perhaps you can find your snake there. Was this snake alive when you took the picture? http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Plants_Wildlife/herps/Squamata/fieldguide_OrderSquamata.asp

I don't believe you have rattlesnakes in Maryland and certainly they do not live in a rainforest in Maryland