Need Help To Identify...

[TariStar]

Hey all! long time no talk. Well today I was clocking out from work (A wholesale club), the maintenance guy was taking the dust broom across the floor and he, I and several other people were talking when all of a sudden we see something move in the hole on the broom duster. One girl jumps on the chair, and of course I jump up to get a cup to put it in. Well I finally get him out and showed him off. Took him to Petsmart but 4 girls who work there had no idea.

I'm in Syracuse, New York. I've looked over the internet for local snakes and have found one that comes close but I'd like some input from people who may know more.

 

[PastorAaron]

Hey There,
Looks like an Eastern Milksnake to me...
God Bless,
Aaron

 

[TariStar]

I'm hoping that he proves to be something native so that come spring I can let him go. So far things are looking good. I'm also looking into the possibility that its a Northern Water Snake. I tried to feed him two small crickets but he didn't go for it.

 

[TariStar]

A Uni professor suggested some type of Rat Snake.

:-( He was unsure though, suggested getting a clearer photo of the face and sending it to another professor. I'd really like a positive ID so I know what I can do with him.

 

[PastorAaron]

It would help to have a full body picture from above... More of the markings would definitely give a clearer chance of determining it's species.
Things we know:
Probably New York Native
Colubrid

Changed my mind...looks like a Northern Water Snake ( Nerodia sipedon sipedon). If he's a NWS, he'll probably go right after things like worms and minnows (offered in his water dish.
God Bless,
Aaron

 

[TariStar]

I just moved him to a bigger container so I could add a bigger water bowl, so far he hasn't moved from the spot he landed in. I've noticed more this "7" like white area on his back, in the photos its to the right of his face. I'm curious about this marking now. You can secondary click and "View Image" for a slightly bigger one.

Some better shots of his patterns. I was going to go for a head shot with better focus but my batteries died.

Edit note: He didn't go straight for the water, but when I dripped some next to him and it got to his mouth he started drinking voraciously.

 

[dragonkeeper3]

I am 100 % positive that it is an eastern milk snake.
DK3

 

[ashesc212]

Any update your snake? Have you identified what it is yet?