Thanks for commenting Alandra and Carol. From what I've read they are not poisonous but will bite. I took the photo in the same area that I took the other one so it could be the same snake but I think that area is loaded with these snakes. The pond is right there and it is swampy in areas.

well, I think you were brave to do that! Am sure I'd have just hurriedly gone back the way I'd just come from lol. He looks quite a good size. Wondering if this is the same one you saw earlier? Are they poisonous?