Yep...a rat snake...non-poisonous, but...they will strike and bite your face...LOL nice shot author, most people fear snakes very much, so to get this close, I'd call that an on-topic shot. Well done.

definitely risky and scary

a really cool shot... but I don't see the risk

Thanks everyone especially the info about the eyes.

fantastic, bravo

Nice close up, and yes I think it is a rat snake =)

Well. Emik... I buy that getting close to water etc. without a weathersealed camera is risky to the camera (although the cynic in me suspects many of those aren't really that close and are just cropped) But a Rat Snake doesn't seem too risky. How would it hurt you or the camera? Would it be risky to get close to a baby bunny?

What did I consider risky? The last time this theme ran I entered my shot taken in mid-February where I climbed over the fence at Niagra Falls around midnight to stand on the ice right next to the falls. Not only risky - but incredibly STUPID!!!

Fabulous shot and I love the DOF. I'm sure I wouldn't have got that close to any snake.....

Wow, great focus and great capture author.

great shot

Ehhh, what is this??

I don't know, but some kind of hornet.

VERY nice shot

Terrific shot love all the detail...

Great details here author, nicely done! GL

Wow, very exciting capture = )

I have to say it is a dandy of a shot. Good job Author

Great capture, well done.

good capture, bravo

Pity...but i wait for a theme more conect with this photo, i'm sure everybody liked it... Thanks all

I will have a better opportunity to put again my water baloon my friends... it's not to risky for my camera...

Nice capture and sharpness author. Nice entry, GL

are very bas, fine pgoto, bravo

next time i will expect more detail and focus on object for this kinda of rare pics.... use macro or close-up mode for this kinda of pics...