Easy to remember: "red on yellow - kill a fellow...red on black - friend of jack">>>> No reason to kill either one but especially the King snake as it eats lots of rats! Glad he's doing better.

Bill is doing much better and expects to be back to saving cats within the next day or two. =) Bill hasn't seen this news story yet so I will show him when he comes by tomorrow and I'm sure the comments of support will do his heart happy. Thank you.

Regarding the identity of the snake, coral snakes are in a league of their own compared to other Florida snakes. The venom is type of neurotoxin and is a paralytic, akin to cobra snakes which must "chew" their victim to inject poison. They do not have fangs like pit viper snakes - rattlesnakes and moccasins. Coral snakes are deadly to small animals and there is no cure if they become bitten. A classic feature which identifies a coral snake from a scarlet or King snake is a yellow stripe that runs across their head which is black, bands of scarlet are touched by yellow, then black. I commend Mr. Clarke, in his act of noble bravery and wish a speedy recovery.

I have met Bill. He helped me find a home for several cats I have found and fixed over the years. He is a local hero who spends his retirement tirelessly working to help feral cats. Get well soon Bill.

In addition to everything Ashley said about snakes, it's important to note that it is DANGEROUS to take one animal out of another animal's mouth. If you save the one being eaten, it will be in distress and could harm you, or the hungry animal you're depriving of it's dinner could harm you.