Snake! back yard.
Looks like a Western Rat Snake. Non-poisonous and a good snake to have around ( unless you're a rat, probably hates Chevys too). Too bad you killed it. I have a Tangerine Milk Snake that's non- poisonous and beautiful. Raised it from a lil' worm to about 3 feet now. Alot safer around the family than some of the people I know! How many people in your area have died recently from snake bites? I do understand your alarm. I used to be that way too until I found a snake in my yard once and picked up a stick and Trapped it first to check it out. Computers are an awesome source of info. Snake was harmless and just wanted to keep the moles, mice, and rats out of my ( and his) yard. I let him go and was never afraid of snakes after that. Easiest way to tell? Look at the eyes. Round pupils O Harmless, slitted pupils () poisonous. Easy and quick.