Anyone know what kind of snake?

[Brandy]

Hi. I posted the pic on a corn snake forum and they all said king snake. So I posted on a king snake forum and they were puzzled and said maybe a variable ground snake. I am in southeast New Mexico. My husband saved him from being killed at his work yesterday. He is tiny, skinnier than a pencil and maybe 7" long. I really want to keep him but need to know what he is. Thanks!

 

[Daidra]

You can type in snakes in mexico and it should bring up all the native species of snakes.

 

[blackadder]

My guess is that it is a Sonora semiannulata–Groundsnake.
Ground Snakes are typically nocturnal and secretive, but they are common throughout their range. Their preferred habitat is dry, rocky areas with loose soil. They are often found on roadsides, or in dry drainage ditches at night, foraging for food. Their diet consists primarily of invertebrates, such as spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets, and insect larvae. They are oviparous, breeding and laying eggs through the summer months.

 

[Brandy]

Thanks! I googled tan ground snake and found one identical.

 

[Palor]

It is a ground snake. Easy to keep as a pet, or you can just let it go somewhere away from the city.

 

[bwaterherper]

ground snake bro, looks like it would make a good pet