by Jenny Tolley

Created on: July 26, 2011   Last Updated: July 27, 2011

Rat snakes are non-venomous constrictors that can be found almost anywhere within the northern hemisphere, but are especially common in the southeastern and midwestern states. Rat snakes generally come in three colors: black, gray, and yellow. Black rat snakes usually live further north than the gray or yellow rat snakes. They are usually black with a slight hint of white between their scales. Gray rat snakes are often found further south. They are usually dark or light gray with darker gray or brownish blotches on their bodies. Often found in coastal areas, yellow rat snakes can be yellow, greenish, or even orange, with four stripes running vertically down their bodies. The undersides of most rat snakes are yellowish or whitish. Most rat snakes grow between three and five feet long, but some specimens can grow to over six feet long.  

Rat snakes can live in a wide variety of habitats, but they are commonly found in wooded areas, barns, or near water sources such as rivers and swamps. While rat snakes may be scary for some people to look at, they are very good neighbors, especially for those who live in wooded areas. Besides eating birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and chicken or duck eggs, rat snakes eat creatures that are commonly thought of as pests by humans, such as mice, moles, and rats. Young rat snakes have been known to feast on lizards, baby mice, and small frogs. Rat snakes are especially valuable around barns because they so effectively hunt vermin and keep pest populations under control. 

Rat snakes are very good at climbing and can be found in trees, in chimneys, and even on the sides of buildings. Rat snakes are also outstanding swimmers.   

Rat snakes reproduce sexually during the spring. In early spring, snakes come out of hibernation and start looking for a mate. Approximately five weeks after mating with a male snake, a female rat snake can lay up to twenty eggs, which then hatch within 65 to 70 days. After hatching, baby snakes grow quickly, starting the cycle over again. 

Most rat snakes are very shy and will avoid humans whenever possible. While rat snakes can bite, they are not venomous. When confronted, rat snakes tend to freeze and remain motionless. Sometimes, instead of freezing, a rat snake will coil its body and rattle its tail or release a foul smelling musk. Despite their shyness, rat snakes can be domesticated. In fact, some people even like to keep rat snakes as pets.

If you come across a rat snake, the best thing to do is to watch it from afar. These snakes are not harmful and, in fact, may be doing the local environment a great service by controlling the rodent population.

Sources

The National Zoo's Black Rat Snake Fact Sheet 

Savannah River's Black Rat Snake Fact Sheet

Snakes of North Carolina Fact Sheet

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