Bruce, we also call them chicken or rat snakes...but they are great for getting rid of moles, mice & the dreaded orchid eating GRASSHOPPERS! :-) But seriously, I would never say that I love or even like them; I tolerate them. Plus, I try my best to stay out of their way. Andy is NOW in charge of filling the hummingbird feeders...We saw a larger snake in the garden RIGHT UNDER the feeders! Glad I don't have any cobras, either...I might just deport them at least a hundred miles away! Betty