According to National Geographic the average rat snake grows to be about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) long. However some specimens can grow to be much longer. The longest recorded rat snake was more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) long!
It’s not just their length that makes rat snakes so interesting. These reptiles are also proficient swimmers and climbers. In fact they’re often seen swimming in water bodies or coiled up in trees.
Interestingly rat snakes get their name from their diet consisting mostly of rodents. However they’re also known to eat birds and their eggs.
Rat snakes are found in a variety of colors depending on their species and geographical location. The most common colors include black brown gray and green.
These reptiles are nonvenomous and pose no threat to humans. In fact they’re often kept as pets owing to their docile nature.
So how long do rat snakes get? The average snake grows to be about 3 to 5 feet long but some can get much longer. The longest recorded rat snake was more than 8 feet long!
How long do newborn rat snakes measure?
Newborn rat snakes typically measure 8-10 inches long.
At what age do rat snakes reach their full length?
Rat snakes typically reach their full length by 3-4 years of age.
How much can the longest rat snakes grow to be?
The longest rat snakes can grow to be anywhere between 4-6 feet long.
Are there any rat snakes that grow to be longer than 6 feet?
There are a few rat snakes that have been recorded as growing to be slightly longer than 6 feet but this is quite rare.
Do rat snakes continue to grow throughout their lifetime?
No rat snakes reach their full length by 3-4 years of age and do not grow any larger after that.
How long do rat snakes live?
Rat snakes typically live for 10-12 years though some have been known to live for up to 20 years in captivity.
How do you determine the age of a rat snake?
The age of a rat snake can be determined by looking at the size and number of its scales.
What is the average lifespan of a rat snake in the wild?
The average lifespan of a rat snake in the wild is 10-12 years.
What is the maximum lifespan of a rat snake?
The maximum lifespan of a rat snake is 20 years.
What do rat snakes eat?
Rat snakes typically eat rodents such as rats and mice.
How often do rat snakes eat?
Rat snakes typically eat every 5-7 days.
What is the diet of a baby rat snake?
Baby rat snakes typically eat insects such as crickets and beetles.
What is the diet of an adult rat snake?
Adult rat snakes typically eat rodents such as rats and mice.
What do rat snakes drink?
Rat snakes typically drink water.
How often do rat snakes drink?
Rat snakes typically drink every 1-2 days.
