Identifying snakes can be challenging, but understanding non-venomous species like rat snakes is important for safety and peaceful coexistence. Rat snakes are widespread across various regions, often found in diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. Distinguishing them from venomous snakes provides peace of mind and prevents harm to beneficial wildlife.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
Rat snakes exhibit a range of appearances, with coloration and patterns varying significantly by region. Some are entirely black, while others display yellow, gray, or blotched patterns. For example, Eastern rat snakes, also known as black rat snakes, are typically shiny black with a white chin and often a white or checkered belly. Yellow rat snakes, common in Florida, may have yellow or orange hues with four narrow brown stripes.
These snakes are medium to large, commonly reaching lengths of 3 to 6 feet. They have a slender, muscular body, reflecting their constricting nature. Their head is narrow and somewhat rectangular, only slightly wider than their neck, unlike the more triangular heads of many venomous snakes.
Rat snakes have keeled scales, meaning they have a ridge down the center, giving them a duller or rougher texture. This contrasts with the smooth scales of some other snake species. Rat snakes also have round pupils, unlike the vertical, slit-like pupils of venomous pit vipers like copperheads.
Behavioral Identification Cues
Rat snakes display distinct behaviors that aid in identification. They are excellent climbers, often seen in trees, on fences, or within human structures like attics and barns, where they search for prey or shelter.
When threatened, rat snakes employ defensive behaviors. They may coil their bodies, hiss loudly, or vibrate their tails rapidly. If this tail vibration occurs in dry leaves or against other objects, it can create a sound similar to a rattlesnake’s rattle. They might also flatten their heads to appear more triangular, mimicking venomous species, and may strike or release a foul-smelling musk if handled. These are bluff behaviors, as rat snakes are not aggressive towards humans.
Rat snakes are carnivores, primarily eating rodents like mice, rats, squirrels, and voles. They also consume birds and bird eggs, which often leads them to human dwellings, including chicken coops, earning some the nickname “chicken snakes.”
Differentiating From Look-Alikes
Distinguishing rat snakes from other species, especially venomous ones, is important. Copperheads, a venomous snake, differ significantly. Copperheads have a light tan or brownish body with distinct dark, hourglass-shaped bands, while adult rat snakes are often uniformly black or patterned differently by region. Copperheads possess a large, triangular head and vertical, slit-like pupils, contrasting with the rat snake’s narrower head and round pupils. Copperheads are also shorter, 2 to 3 feet long, compared to longer rat snakes.
Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are semi-aquatic venomous snakes found near water bodies. They have a heavier body and a broad, triangular head. When threatened, cottonmouths often gape, revealing the white interior of their mouth. While rat snakes are capable swimmers, their primary habitat is not strictly aquatic, and they do not exhibit the same gaping behavior.
King snakes, another non-venomous group, can sometimes be confused with rat snakes due to shared patterns. A key difference lies in their scales: king snakes have smooth, shiny scales, whereas rat snakes have keeled, or ridged, scales. King snakes are also known for eating other snakes, including venomous ones, a behavior not typical of rat snakes.
What to Do When You See a Rat Snake
Encountering a rat snake can be startling, but remain calm. Rat snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans or pets. Give the snake space and allow it to move away on its own, as they are more inclined to flee than to engage. Do not attempt to handle or harm the snake.
Rat snakes provide a valuable service by naturally controlling rodent populations. This benefits agricultural areas, reduces the need for chemical pest control, and minimizes damage to crops. They also help prevent the spread of diseases carried by rodents.
If a rat snake is in an undesirable location, such as inside a home or high-traffic area, humane methods can encourage it to leave. Removing potential hiding spots like brush piles, wood stacks, and tall grass makes an area less appealing. Sealing cracks and openings in foundations and buildings prevents entry. If the snake cannot be safely left alone or removed by opening a door, contact local animal control or a professional snake removal service. These professionals can safely identify and relocate the snake without harm.