Common King Snake — Part 2

Ophibolus getulus, (Linn.)

It must be explained, however, that such battles between the King Snake and the larger serpents are rather unusual, and it will be appreciated from the foregoing explanation that these occurrences are the results of accidental meetings. When the King Snake captures a serpent smaller than itself, the prey is overpowered in the fashion described and eaten. And it should be explained as well, in all due justice to the King Snake, that specimens of the copperhead snake, the ground rattlesnake as well as fair-sized representatives of the larger rattlers are frequently killed and eaten. From this fact alone, the species demonstrates its usefulness toward mankind. From the standpoint of economic value, however, the King Snake performs more beneficial work for the agriculturist in the destruction of the smaller rodents, so injurious to the grain.

The remarkable immunity of this serpent against the action of snake venom is not restricted alone to this one member of the genus, but on account of the larger size of the species, it has been subjected to more extended experimentation than the smaller and less hardy snakes of the group. While the majority of snakes quickly succumb to an injection of serpent poison, the King Snake may be repeatedly wounded by the fangs of a living serpent, or injected hypodermically, without showing ill effects from the introduction of the formidable fluid into its blood. Some three years ago, repeated experiments were conducted upon a large specimen that is now thriving. It was injected with the venom of the diamond-back rattlesnake, the copperhead snake, the moccasin and the West Indian "fer-de-lance," without showing any bad effects beyond an intimation of sluggishness appearing an hour or so after the injection and entirely passing away several hours later.

Despite its hostility toward other species of snakes, the King Snake shows a very mild nature with man. Specimens captured by the writer were in rather dry patches of timber; some were taken while basking in the sun of small glades in the forest; others were found hiding under fallen tree trunks. When first caught they strike vigorously, emitting a short hiss which sounds more like a sneeze; at such times the majority of specimens eject a powerful, musky odour from glands near the base of the tail. These vigorous symptoms pass away within a few minutes' time, when most specimens may be handled without evincing the least signs of bad temper. As captives, few reptiles are more gentle or devoid of nervousness than the present species--in fact, the King Snake and the big gopher or Indigo Snake may be said to be the ideal serpents for objects of study in captivity; both are very hardy and will live for years. The former will feed upon mice, sparrows and smaller snakes of other species. Unlike many serpents, it is not particular in demanding living prey, as it will readily take dead mice and rats, and sometimes strips of raw beef.

When being handled, these snakes will usually coil firmly about one's fingers to prevent themselves from falling. During these actions the muscular development of the snake may be noted, and will be found to exist to a surprising degree in a creature of such moderate size. If frightened, some specimens coil themselves into a series of compact knots until they form a spherical mass; in this position they may be actually rolled about the ground without relaxing their bodies.

This species deposits from ten to twenty-four eggs, which require from five to six weeks to complete the incubation.