Peter,
Like before, fascinating pictures. I always hear people say the only good snake is a dead snake. Unfortunately we all know they have a use in nature, at least in their natural environment. Still some are scary but yet interesting, kind of a double edged sword.
The black snake is a very fast, non poisonous variety. They are a very common snake in Florida. There are smaller black ones that have a red and yellow ring around the neck that we pick up all the time. I've included a picture for your viewing pleasure.

My wife was flipping out because I was holding it and doesn't want my son to see me picking up such things; but she took the picture.
Tarantulas, from what I saw on National Geographic Channel, are mostly non poisonous. There are a few varieties in South America that are poisonous (at least that's what they said). The one I have in the picture is just an aggressive variety, from what I've heard. I know back in Florida they used to sell certain varieties as pets. I will touch a snake, but forget a spider, yuck.
The python, alligator, and everglades story is a sad case because it shows what happends when one species is introduced into an environment that it doesn't belong to.
Happy Easter to all.