Black Rat Snake
(Elaphe
obsoleta obsoleta) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: 42-101" (106.7-256.5
cm). Long, powerful constrictor with 3 different adult color
patterns predominating: plain, striped, and blotched. Plain is
black often with white showing between scales. Striped is red,
orange, yellow, brown, or gray with 4 dark stripes. Blotched is
light gray, yellow, or brown with dark brown, gray, or black
blotches down back. Belly uniformly white, yellow, orange, or
gray, often with dark mottling or checks. Belly scales flat in
middle, ends angled up sharply. Underside of tail not striped.
If present, dark stripe through eye does not reach neck. All
young vividly blotched. Scales weakly keeled, in 25-33 rows.
Anal plate divided.
STATUS:
RANGE: East Ontario and south Vermont south to
Florida Keys, west to central Texas, north to southwest
Minnesota, and south Michigan.
HABITAT: Rocky hillsides, open woods, dry
prairies and stream valleys.
SPECIAL HABITAT: Forests; farmlands; and
old fields
FOOD: The Black Rat Snake is a very good
climber and often climbs trees to eat nestling birds or eggs.
Its diet consists mainly of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. |
