"Black snakes have a nasty disposition and bite."
I politely beg to disagree sir. I am a State certified Animal Damage Control Agent,, and I deal with animals daily. And black snakes are not that way. In fact,, I OFTEN just walk up to them, pick them up WITHOUT restraint, supporting their weight, allowing them to move around in my hands, as I move them to a new home.
They can be a bit aggressive when shedding,,, or mating,, but not in general. Younger snakes seem more active & defensive,, but all of them prefer to avoid attacks by any predator. And often, a human is looked at as a predator. But calm actions are often accepted by them. I know folks who have them living in & around their hoses to where they are seen & enjoyed daily. Once they determine you are not a predator,, they are quite nice to have around. And they are excellent rodent control. They also keep poisonous snakes away.
Bull snakes are also a good snake to have around,, but not the only good snake.