snake on patio

Question

Unidentifed snake on p   QUESTION: I found this snake (see image attached) on a screened in patio today in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is not longer than 12-14 inches and when I tried to approach it to put it back in the yard, it slithered away kinda sideways (not head first) under a piece of furniture. I want to make sure it gets back to safety, but keep us safe trying to catch it. I have looked and cannot determine what type of snake it is, although I am assuming it is a harmless garter snake.
Any information you can provide me would be helpful.
Thanks so much!
Sarah

ANSWER: It looks like either a juvenile eastern fox snake, which are harmless, or a juvenile eastern massasauga, which is a venomous rattle snake of Ohio.  I can't see the tail well enough, although the rattle may not have developed at all yet.  If you could give me a more detailed photo, I could probably be more accurate.

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Snake on patio   QUESTION: Thank you for your response. We were not able to find the snake again after it went under the furniture, so we assume it found its way outside.
I am attaching the same picture, but  zoomed closer so that you can get a better look, I also zoomed in on the head and tail and will send these to you as well.
If we see it again, can you offer any suggestions on what to do with it if it is inside?
Thanks so much for your help, it is appreciated.
Sarah

Answer

snake tail   I think it is an eastern fox snake.  there is only one thing that I am unsure of and that is the tail.  I've attached an image.  Inside the square is the tip of the tail.  What I see at the tip may be what's called a "button." A rattle that isn't developed.  Otherwise I believe it is a fox snake.