Central Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. alleghaniensis
Found in eastern and central North America, primarily ranging from New York southward through Georgia, and westward into parts of Alabama, Tennessee, and the Ohio River valley.
Look up Central Ratsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. alleghaniensis
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Primary threats include habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Physical Description
Displays a pattern of dark blotches (brownish-black to grey) along a lighter background. The head is relatively distinct from the neck with large eyes featuring round pupils. Scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated specimen length is around 2.5 to 3.5 feet. Adult typical size ranges from 3.5 to 6 feet, with maximum records exceeding 7 feet.
Habitat
Inhabits a wide variety of habitats including deciduous forests, rocky wooded hillsides, agricultural fields, and suburban areas. Highly adaptable and frequently utilizes trees and barns.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists primarily of rodents, birds, bird eggs, and small bats. They are capable climbers that actively forage and utilize constriction to subdue prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous species, females typically lay clutches ranging from 12 to 20 eggs in mid-summer within decaying vegetation, hollow logs, or loose soil.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Primary threats include habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Highly beneficial to agriculture and human settlements due to their role in controlling rodent populations.
Notable Features
Known for their exceptional climbing ability, often found vertically on tree trunks and brick walls, and their behavior of freezing or forming a kinked pattern when approached.