Do Rat Snakes Rattle Their Tails?
It’s a common question that people ask about rat snakes – do they rattle their tails like rattlesnakes do? The answer is no rat snakes do not rattle their tails. Rattlesnakes are the only snakes that have a rattle which is made up of interlocking segments of keratin that produce a rattling sound when shook. So if you see a snake shaking its tail and hear a rattling sound you can be sure that it’s a rattlesnake!
There are many reasons why rattlesnakes rattle their tails including to warn predators and prey of their presence to establish dominance within their social hierarchy and to themed with other rattlesnakes. But rat snakes don’t have any need to rattle their tails since they don’t have any predators or prey that they need to warn and they don’t live in social groups.
So if you’re ever out hiking and come across a snake shaking its tail you can be confident that it’s not a rat snake – and probably a rattlesnake!
What is the primary diet of rat snakes?
Rat snakes primarily eat rodents.
Where do rat snakes live?
Rat snakes can be found throughout the United States into Canada and down into Mexico.
Are rat snakes venomous?
No rat snakes are not venomous.
They kill their prey by constriction.
What is the average size of a rat snake?
The average size of a rat snake is 3-4 feet though some species can grow to be 6 feet long.
What does the rat snake use its rattle for?
The rat snake uses its rattle to warn predators to stay away.
What is the lifespan of a rat snake?
The lifespan of a rat snake is 10-12 years.
How do rat snakes mate?
Rat snakes mate in the spring.
The male will wrap himself around the female and they will rub their ventral sides together.
How many eggs does a rat snake lay at a time?
A rat snake will lay anywhere from 3-40 eggs at a time.
How long does it take for rat snake eggs to hatch?
It takes approximately 60 days for rat snake eggs to hatch.
What is the natural predator of the rat snake?
The natural predators of the rat snake include birds of prey such as hawks and owls as well as other snakes.
Do rat snakes rattle their tails when they are angry?
No rat snakes do not rattle their tails when they are angry.
They only rattle their tails when they feel threatened.
What does the rat snake use its rattle for?
The rat snake uses its rattle to warn predators to stay away.
What is the primary diet of rat snakes?
Rat snakes primarily eat rodents.
Where do rat snakes live?
Rat snakes can be found throughout the United States into Canada and down into Mexico.
Are rat snakes venomous?
No rat snakes are not venomous.
They kill their prey by constriction.
