The black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is a non-venomous snake found in North America. Adult black rat snakes are usually between 3 and 5 feet (0.91 and 1.52 m) in length although some specimens may reach lengths of 7 feet (2.13 m). The snake’s body is relatively thin and its head is only slightly wider than its neck. The black rat snake is black in color with a white or cream-colored chin and throat. The snake’s belly is usually gray or white with large black spots.
Black rat snakes are found in a variety of habitats including forests swamps and rocky areas. The snake is most common in the eastern United States but is also found in parts of the Midwest and South. The black rat snake is an excellent climber and is often seen in trees and on buildings. The snake is also a good swimmer and is often found near water.
Black rat snakes are diurnal meaning they are active during the day. The snake is an opportunistic feeder and will eat a variety of prey including rodents birds and eggs. The black rat snake is also known to eat venomous snakes such as copperheads and rattlesnakes.
When threatened the black rat snake will usually try to flee. If cornered the snake may coil its body and strike but rarely bites. The black rat snake is not considered to be dangerous to humans.
The black rat snake is often confused with the milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) which is a similar-looking snake found in the same geographic region. Milk snakes are usually smaller than black rat snakes and have a reddish-brown or orange body with black spots. Milk snakes are also non-venomous.
What is the maximum length of a black rat snake?
Answer: The longest recorded black rat snake was 140 cm (4.
6 ft).
What is the average length of a black rat snake?
Answer: The average length of a black rat snake is 101.
6 cm (3.
3 ft).
Where do black rat snakes live?
Answer: Black rat snakes are found throughout the eastern United States.
What do black rat snakes eat?
Answer: Black rat snakes eat mostly rodents but they will also eat birds lizards and Eggs.
Are black rat snakes poisonous?
Answer: No black rat snakes are not poisonous.
What does the black rat snake look like?
Answer: The black rat snake is a black or dark brown snake with a whitish belly.
It has smooth scales and can grow to be quite large.
How do black rat snakes reproduce?
Answer: Black rat snakes mate in the spring and the female lays up to 40 eggs in the summer.
What is the lifespan of a black rat snake?
Answer: Black rat snakes can live up to 20 years in captivity but their average lifespan in the wild is unknown.
Do black rat snakes make good pets?
Answer: Black rat snakes can make good pets if they are properly cared for but they can also be aggressive.
What should you do if you see a black rat snake?
Answer: If you see a black rat snake you should leave it alone.
If it is in your home you can try to catch it and release it outside.
What is the scientific name for the black rat snake?
Answer: The scientific name for the black rat snake is Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta.
How many subspecies of black rat snake are there?
Answer: There are four subspecies of black rat snake.
What is the difference between a black rat snake and a brown rat snake?
Answer: The black rat snake is a black or dark brown snake with a whitish belly.
The brown rat snake is a brown snake with a black and white checkerboard pattern on its belly.
What is the difference between a black rat snake and a yellow rat snake?
Answer: The black rat snake is a black or dark brown snake with a whitish belly.
The yellow rat snake is a yellow snake with a black and white checkerboard pattern on its belly.
What is the difference between a black rat snake and a gray rat snake?
Answer: The black rat snake is a black or dark brown snake with a whitish belly.
The gray rat snake is a gray snake with a black and white checkerboard pattern on its belly.
