A rat snake is a non-venomous snake that is usually found in North America. Rat snakes are relatively small snakes but there are some that can get quite large. The largest recorded rat snake was just over 8 feet long. However there are reports of much larger snakes. One record claims that a rat snake found in Florida was over 12 feet long!
Rat snakes come in a variety of colors but they are typically black brown or gray. They get their name from their diet which consists mostly of rodents. Rat snakes are excellent climbers and are often found in trees or in houses.
There are many different species of rat snake but some of the more common ones include the black rat snake the corn snake and the garter snake.
How many subspecies of rat snakes are there?
There are 36 subspecies of rat snakes.
What is the scientific name for the rat snake?
The scientific name for the rat snake is Elaphe obsoleta.
Where do rat snakes live?
Rat snakes are found throughout the United States southern Canada and Mexico.
What do rat snakes eat?
Rat snakes typically eat rodents such as rats and mice but they will also eat lizards frogs birds and small mammals.
How do rat snakes kill their prey?
Rat snakes kill their prey by constriction.
They will wrap their body around their prey and squeeze it until it suffocates.
How long do rat snakes typically grow?
Rat snakes can grow to be anywhere from 2 to 6 feet long.
How long do rat snakes live?
In the wild rat snakes typically live to be around 10 years old.
What is the biggest subspecies of rat snake?
The biggest subspecies of rat snake is the black rat snake which can grow to be up to 8 feet long.
Are rat snakes venomous?
Rat snakes are not venomous but they are capable of biting if they feel threatened.
What is the smallest subspecies of rat snake?
The smallest subspecies of rat snake is the Texas rat snake which typically grows to be around 2 to 3 feet long.
What do baby rat snakes look like?
Baby rat snakes look similar to adult rat snakes but they are typically smaller and have brighter colors.
How often do rat snakes shed their skin?
Rat snakes typically shed their skin once every 2 to 3 months.
What colors do rat snakes come in?
Rat snakes come in a variety of colors including black brown gray and green.
Do all rat snakes have stripes?
No not all rat snakes have stripes.
Some subspecies such as the Texas rat snake are solid in color.
What is the difference between a rat snake and a garter snake?
The main difference between a rat snake and a garter snake is that rat snakes are typically larger in size and have a more slender body.
