As others have posted the ones that you have to worry about are the pit
vipers. There are three of these, the copperhead, water moccasin, and
rattlesnake. There are several varieties of rattlesnakes, but usually
within an area, there are only a couple. As for the non-poisonous snakes
there are many species, and some of them like the king snake actually eat
rattlesnakes.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html


"FBCS" wrote in message
...
But Rich, how do you know the difference (poisonous or not)? Joann
"RichToyBox" wrote in message
news:xfgVa.2025$YN5.1795@sccrnsc01...
Most snakes are not at the pond for the fish. They love frogs, lizards,
mice, moles, voles, and other critters that are attracted to the bugs
that
frequent the pond. Lots of people are afraid of them, but unless they
are
one of the poisonous varieties, they are better left alone, to keep the
food
supply down to a number that doesn't draw the poisonous snakes.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html


"FBCS" wrote in message
...
Plastic netting works keeping predators out. I put lettuce in the
pond
this
morning for the guys to munch on, upon returning from church I saw a
piece
hung up in the lip of the puddle that goes to the lower pond and
proceeded
to stick my hands down under the netting to get it loose. As I stood
I
saw
what made me holler for DH. Right where I was pulling the lettuce
loose
was
a big black snake caught in my netting (4-5 ft.) He was tangled up
real
good. Took DH 30 min to cut him out and get him back in the woods. I
said
to
axe him, he came for lunch. My DH was compassionate telling me they
eat
mice
(my other cringe) we had to try to get him out (as the snake kept
trying
to
bite at him). Will these snakes eat my fish or will they dwell
together?
Joann