I think this is what you got:
Rat Snake
The description matches, even though the one pictured is much lighter in color. Note also, excellent climber. Everything considered, one of the better snakes to have around. Rat snakes are generally fairly docile ... I had a red rat (aka corn snake) as a pet for awhile in college. You could have caught it and let your kid take it to school for show & tell.
And yea, I've been bit by rat snakes ... no big deal. A cat scratch is worse.
Rat Snake
The description matches, even though the one pictured is much lighter in color. Note also, excellent climber. Everything considered, one of the better snakes to have around. Rat snakes are generally fairly docile ... I had a red rat (aka corn snake) as a pet for awhile in college. You could have caught it and let your kid take it to school for show & tell.
And yea, I've been bit by rat snakes ... no big deal. A cat scratch is worse.
