Black Rat Snake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. alleghaniensis
Eastern and central North America, ranging from New York south to Florida and west to the Mississippi River basin.
Look up Black Rat Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. alleghaniensis
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local declines occur due to habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Physical Description
Elongated body with a pattern of dark brown to black blotches over a lighter background, often showing white or yellowish skin between scales, particularly visible when stretched. Head is distinct from the neck, and scales are weakly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated specimen length is approximately 4 to 5 feet. Adults typically range from 3.5 to 6 feet (107 to 183 cm), with exceptional individuals reaching over 7 feet.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats including deciduous and coniferous forests, rocky wooded hillsides, agricultural fields, and suburban areas. Highly adaptable and capable of climbing trees and vertical structures.
Diet & Feeding
Consists primarily of rodents, small mammals, birds, and bird eggs. Hunts through active foraging and ambush, subduing larger prey by constriction.
Reproduction
Oviparous species. Females typically lay clutches of 12 to 20 eggs in mid-summer within rotting logs, leaf litter, or underground burrows.
Look-alikes
Can be confused with other rat snakes or racers within its range, but distinguished by its blotched pattern and keeled scales.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local declines occur due to habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Highly beneficial to agriculture and human settlements due to its effectiveness in controlling rodent populations.
Notable Features
Exceptional climbing ability, frequently found vertical on tree trunks, rock faces, or structural walls as seen in the image.