Western Rat Snake
Pantherophis obsoletus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. obsoletus
Central United States, ranging from the Mississippi River west to the Rocky Mountains, and from southern Canada down through Texas and into northern Mexico.
Look up Western Rat Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. obsoletus
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and adaptable, though often subject to 'intentional killing' due to being mistaken for venomous species.
Physical Description
Large, powerful body with weakly keeled scales. This specimen shows a 'Texas Rat Snake' color phase with a base of yellowish-tan or orange and dark brown/black blotches. The head is wider than the neck, and the eyes have round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 4 to 5 feet in length for this adult specimen; species typically averages 3.5 to 6 feet, with record lengths exceeding 8 feet.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in hardwood forests, prairies, rocky canyons, and agricultural areas. Often found near human dwellings, in barns, or climbing trees and rafters.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers and powerful constrictors. They primarily eat rodents, birds, and eggs. They are often called 'chicken snakes' for their habit of raiding coop nests.
Reproduction
Oviparous (lays eggs). Females lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in mid-summer, which hatch in late summer or early autumn.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) due to pattern, but lacks the rattle, heat pits, and has round pupils. Also resembles Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer) and Fox Snakes.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and adaptable, though often subject to 'intentional killing' due to being mistaken for venomous species.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued by farmers for natural pest control, as they can consume large numbers of agricultural rodents. Common in American folklore as 'pilot snakes'.
Notable Features
Remarkable climbing ability; they are famous for appearing in 'impossible' places like ceiling rafters, birdhouses, and high tree branches using their specialized belly scales to grip vertical surfaces.