Driving along a dirt road on Seven Springs Farm, on my way to attend a djembe lesson.  Before reaching the barn, I encountered a four-foot black rat snake that was knobbly stretched across a portion of the road.  I carefully approached the snake and positioned myself about three feet in front of it.  Since I was toward the snake’s path, I trembled as I took some pictures, knowing it could lunge at me at any moment.  I know…it’s only a black snake, but I’m easily spooked when critters charge in my direction, even when I expect it.  Sometimes the element of surprise causes me to let out a man scream or to trip over my own feet and fall backwards on my ass.  None of that happened in this case.  The snake just lay in the road, motionless.

After I took some photos for about a minute, the snake lifted its head and began flicking its tongue toward my direction.  I assume it sensed my presence and was investigating further by tasting the air.  I walked back to my car to retrieve my zoom lens.

When I returned with my zoom lens, I positioned myself about three feet from the snake’s side (less shaking this time).  It flicked its tongue at the typical in and out pace, but sometimes it extended its tongue for a few seconds, pausing, vibrating the tips of the fork.  Since the tongue was angled toward me, I was able to get clear shots of the fork.

I returned to my car and watched the snake slowly slithered into the pasture.