Black Rat Snakes (mating)

Updated - scientific name (Pantherophis obsoletus), and I added an additional photo.

Thanks for the favorites on this one! I've been involved with snake field work for several years, plus time spent spotting snakes for Noah. To come across two impressive snakes like this mating in a tree trunk is a very unique and rare event for even herp guys like me. I was extremely lucky!!!

Thanks dotun55! I was just having a discussion with Janson on another post that referenced this photo. If you look at the dorsal scales, there is a ridge that splits each scale in half, called a keel. Black rat snakes in Missouri are frequently confused with black racers. Black racers have smooth scales without the ridge.

Thanks guys! For a herp guy like me, this was an amazing find. The camera I had with me at the time wasn't that great. If I get another similar spotting this year, I'll be able to capture it better - perhaps with video. :)