Eastern aka Black Rat Snake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis black

Alternate Name(s):

Eastern Rat Snake

 

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Adult at 5 to 6 feet in length, this subspecies is known to have exceeded 8 feet in length. In fact, with a record length of 101 inches it is one of the 5 longest snakes in the USA. When adult this is a large, primarily black, harmless, but often feisty, semi-arboreal snake. Black above, traces of darker blotches may be seen, and if distended with a meal or gravid, patches of white, gray, or orange interstitial skin (the skin between the scales) may show. Belly white with irregular blotches of black. Scales are smooth on the sides and weakly keeled on the back.Oviparous. Hatchlings are gray with black saddles. Various colors, especially a dark olive green, may show at areas where this snake intergrades with the yellow rat snake

 

Unique Features:

Adult at 5 to 6 feet in length, this subspecies is known to have exceeded 8 feet in length. In fact, with a record length of 101 inches it is one of the 5 longest snakes in the USA Rat snakes, as a group, will hiss if frightened and will often vibrate the tail. This latter, if in dried grass or leaves, will make a whirring sound that is rather similar to the noise of a rattlesnake

 

Habitat and Diet:

It may be seen in stone walls, woodlands, pasture edges, and often seeks refuge in deserted buildings or other such structures.Rodents, birds, and lizards are the preferred prey items of this powerful constrictor

 

Geographic Range:

GA, SC, AL, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, RI, NY, CT, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MN, MS, MI, ID, KS, MO, NE, NJ, IA, OH, OK, WI, PA