Western Rat Snake
Pantherophis obsoletus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis obsoletus
Widespread across North America, specifically from west of the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, including states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Louisiana, extending north into Iowa and Missouri.
Look up Western Rat Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis obsoletus
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally common, though they face threats from habitat fragmentation and intentional killing due to being mistaken for venomous species.
Physical Description
Large-bodied snake with weakly keeled scales. Coloration in this specimen shows a gray to white ground color with large, dark brown or black blotches (the 'Black Rat Snake' morph is darker). The head is distinct from the neck, and the eyes have round pupils. Ventral scales are usually light with checkered markings.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult, approximately 3-5 feet long. The species typically ranges from 3.5 to 6 feet, with record lengths reaching up to 8 feet.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in hardwood forests, prairies, rocky canyons, and swamps. They are frequently found in agricultural areas and suburban environments near humans, often utilizing rafters, barns, and attics (as seen in the photo).
Diet & Feeding
Predatory constrictors feeding primarily on rodents (rats, mice), birds, and bird eggs. They are active hunters that use smell and sight to track prey, often climbing trees or buildings to reach nests.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females typically lay clutches of 10-25 eggs in mid-summer, often in hollow logs or compost piles. Hatchlings emerge in late summer or fall.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the North American Racer (Coluber constrictor), which has smooth scales, or various Milk Snakes and King Snakes. Their blotched pattern as juveniles can lead to confusion with venomous Copperheads or Timber Rattlesnakes, though Rat Snakes lack heat pits and have round pupils.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally common, though they face threats from habitat fragmentation and intentional killing due to being mistaken for venomous species.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued by farmers and homeowners as natural pest control due to their appetite for rodents. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance within their range.
Notable Features
Renowned for their exceptional climbing ability, often found in seemingly impossible vertical locations like brick walls or high rafters by utilizing the 'cracks' in surfaces with their specialized belly scales.