Funny story

The other night I was sitting at the computer waiting for Bobbie to get home from class. It was about 9:30 when I heard a scream outside. I thought it to be nothing, just some of the neighbor kids playing. But the thought came to check anyway since it was so late at night. When I opened the door I didn't see any kids or anyone for that matter. I looked to my right down the parking lot and our neighbor next door was standing about ten feet from his door holding a little flash light. Now, our neighbor is extremely shy. We never hear him, rarely see him and before tonight, never heard his voice. I have said hello to him a few times but only got a quiet mumble. Anyway, the scream I heard which sounded like a young teenage girl was actually from a 26 year old man. He was completely terrified of this little snake which was right in front of his door. I walked up to it and flipped his tail to see how aggressive he was. When I did, our friend the hermit, gasped in fear. I grabbed a small trashcan and scooped him up not knowing if he was poisonous or not. I looked it up on the internet and found out he is harmless but took him away to a field anyway. I believe him to be a Rat Snake. Stretched out he is about 12 inches or so. Snakes in this area of the country with round pupils are non-venomous.