What kind of snake?

Question

snake   Can you identify this snake for me and whether or not it is a dangerous one?  They are common around my parent's house and this was in the washing machine, the land keeper killed it but they would like to become more familiar with the species so they know which ones to be afraid of and which ones to release.  Please help.  Thank you!

Answer
From the picture, I cannot identify the exact type of snake. The head is large, so it has evolved to imitate a pit viper, but it is not one. The only venomous snakes you have in your state of Texas are the rattler, copperhead, coral, and cottonmouth. By process of elimination, I can guarantee this snake is not one of those 4. Here is a helpful link to the venomous snakes in Texas. Thanks for the picture Amy. That was a very beautiful snake and perhaps the land keeper will let the next one go.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/kids/wild_things/wildlife/snakes.phtml