Western Ratsnake / Texas Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. obsoletus
Central North America: from the Mississippi River west to central Texas, north to Nebraska, and south to the Gulf of Mexico.
Look up Western Ratsnake / Texas Ratsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless - low risk of injury; bites may cause minor scratches but are not dangerous to humans.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. obsoletus
Conservation
IUCN Least Concern; population is stable and wide-ranging.
Physical Description
Large, muscular snake with a weakly keeled scale texture. Highly variable coloration but often dark brown or black with traces of a blotched pattern, especially in juveniles/subadults. White or cream-colored chin and throat.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the photo appears to be an adult, approximately 4-5 feet long. The species can reach 3.5 to 6 feet on average, with records exceeding 7 feet.
Habitat
Generalist species found in hardwood forests, prairies, rocky canyons, and swamps. Highly adapted to urban environments, often found in barns, garages, and climbing walls of homes.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular during hot weather. Known for being an expert climber. Temperament is generally docile but can be defensive (S-curve strike pose, tail vibrating) if cornered.
Diet & Feeding
Active forager and powerful constrictor. Primarily eats rodents, birds, and eggs. Known for successfully raiding bird nests by climbing vertical surfaces.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 10-25 eggs in early summer, which hatch in late summer or early autumn.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
North American Racers (Coluber constrictor) which have smooth scales, and various King snakes (Lampropeltis) which generally lack the ability to climb vertical masonry seen here.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern; population is stable and wide-ranging.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued by farmers and homeowners for natural pest control, as they specialize in consuming agricultural rodents.
Notable Features
Famous for their 'crinkled' body posture and their extraordinary ability to climb vertical surfaces like brick walls or tree trunks using their specialized belly scales.