Western Rat Snake (Black Rat Snake)

Description:

Juveniles are strongly patterned with brown blotches on a gray background. Darkening occurs rapidly as they grow. Adults are glossy black above with white lips, chin, and throat. Pantherophis obsoletus is found throughout the eastern and central United States. In Canada, it is found in southern Ontario. It is found in the northeast United States, in particular New Jersey (northern), New York (eastern), and Vermont (southern).

Habitat:

It prefers heavily wooded areas and is known for having excellent climbing ability, including the ability to climb the trunk of large mature trees without the aid of branches.

Notes:

Snake was 5 foot long, seen before sun-down in the evening.