[Chris]

Thanks ssssnakeluvr.

Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis has the largest range of any T. subspecies and is found in both Pennsylvania and NY State. So it seems a likely I.D. for both populations of snakes I examined as a boy. I appreciate your help.

I am still keen to know if anyone here has observed any patterns relating to which Thamnophis individuals use biting/striking as their main defense when first handled by humans, as opposed to release of odoriferous musk. I wonder, is this difference learned or genetic? And if it is at least somewhat genetic, I wonder what selective forces conditioned each type of defensive response.

Chris