Desert Whip Snake

Masticophis taenitus

Whip snakes are  long, sleek speedsters who use their big eyes to spot lizards. They will also take young birds and mammals. These are great climbers and tend to live near waterways/canyons. These guys will bite...but it doesn't hurt much and is certainly not venomous.
I like their attitudes! The way they gape open their mouths sends off a definite "don't mess with me man!" message!

The specimen on the bottom is big...pushing 5'. I found him along the Frisco River on 06/15/08.