Yellow Rat Snake (Eastern Rat Snake)
Pantherophis quadrivittatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. quadrivittatus
Southeastern United States, primarily coastal regions from North Carolina south through the Florida peninsula.
Look up Yellow Rat Snake (Eastern Rat Snake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous; aglyphous dentition (solid teeth, no fangs).
Danger Level
Harmless; they generally prefer flight over fight and pose no threat to humans or pets beyond a minor bite if significantly provoked.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. quadrivittatus
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). No major threats, though they face habitat fragmentation and occasional persecution by humans.
Physical Description
Yellowish-tan to orange ground color with four prominent dark longitudinal stripes running the length of the body. Features weakly keeled scales, a slender body, and round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be an adult around 3–4 feet. Species range: Average 36–72 inches (91–183 cm), with record lengths near 90 inches.
Habitat
Versatile habitats including pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress swamps, and suburban areas. Highly arboreal, often found in oak trees or rafters of buildings.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal or nocturnal depending on temperature. Generally docile but may vibrate the tail in leaf litter to mimic a rattlesnake when threatened. Excellent climbers.
Diet & Feeding
Uses constriction to kill prey. Diet consists primarily of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Often referred to as a 'Chicken Snake' due to presence near coops.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 5–30 eggs in early summer, which hatch in late summer or fall. Hatchlings are more blotched than striped.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Garter snakes (Thamnophis) also have stripes but are smaller with different scale textures; Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) have blotches rather than stripes.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). No major threats, though they face habitat fragmentation and occasional persecution by humans.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued by farmers and homeowners for effective rodent control. In the southeastern US, they are a common part of local folklore regarding barn snakes.
Notable Features
Remarkable climbing ability, often found many feet aloft in trees; ontogenetic color change where juveniles are blotched and adults become striped.