Western Rat Snake
Pantherophis obsoletus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. obsoletus
Central and South-Central United States, ranging from the Mississippi River west to the Rocky Mountains and South into Mexico.
Look up Western Rat Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless. Though they may bite if cornered or handled roughly, they pose no significant medical risk to humans or pets.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. obsoletus
Conservation
IUCN Least Concern. Population is stable, though often killed by homeowners who mistake them for venomous species.
Physical Description
Large, powerful body with weakly keeled scales. Gray or tan base color with darker brown or black rectangular blotches that often fade toward black in older adults. Distinctively flat-bottomed head shape; round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adults range from 3.5 to 6 feet (106-183 cm). This specimen appears to be a sub-adult or small adult, approximately 2.5 to 3 feet in length.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in woodlands, agricultural fields, rocky hillsides, and suburban environments near humans. Frequently found in or around buildings.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily diurnal or crepuscular, but may become nocturnal in hot weather. Often defensive when first encountered, known for 'kinking' their body to disrupt their outline or vibrating their tail to mimic a rattlesnake.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers and powerful constrictors. Primarily eat rodents, birds, and eggs. Highly proficient climbers often found in trees or rafters searching for prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 10-30 eggs in mid-summer which hatch in late summer or early fall.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) due to blotched patterns, or the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Distinguished by round pupils, lack of heat-sensing pits, and head shape.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern. Population is stable, though often killed by homeowners who mistake them for venomous species.
Cultural Significance
Highly beneficial in suburban and agricultural settings for natural rodent control. In many areas, they are respected as 'barn snakes' that keep pests away from stores of grain.
Notable Features
Excellent climbers with a unique 'bread-loaf' cross-section (flat belly and vertical sides) that allows them to scale vertical surfaces like tree bark or brick walls by wedging their belly scales.