One or two large black rat snakes in woodsy part of yard. How to lure them out?

Question

Both my wife and neighbor are leery of the black rat snake(s) that lurk in the woodsy areas of our back yards. I understand they (the snakes) are not venomous and are "good" to have around. How would I find them if I, or a hired snake remover, wanted to catch them?

Answer 1

Why bother? Black rat snakes are good to have in your yard. You are right--they are not venomous. (At the zoo I work at, we take out the black rat snake for children to pet. He's perfectly lovely.)

Your wife can get over it. It's just one of those things that comes with having a nice woodsy area in your yard. I was scared/terrified of snakes for years--I've run across copperheads in my yard. But you know what? As long as your wife is careful in the yard, she'll be fine. It's not like the snake wants to run into you.  

Answer 2

Leave the snakes alone,they won't hurt anyone. Tell them to watch out for the humans at the mall that can be a real threat.

Answer 3

Black Rat Snakes are easiest to catch while they are sunning, in my experience. They are fast and spook very easily with sound and vibration. It would be far easier to hire a professional.

Chances are, however, that once you get rid of those, more will move into their territory.