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Project Noah Nature School
Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri
I would estimate this snake was four to five feet long. The common rat snake is medium-sized, averaging 42-72 inches (106.7-183 cm) in length. At the widest point of the snake's body, the average diameter is 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Covered with keeled scales, common rat snakes have a powerful slender body with a wedge-shaped head. At the middle of the snake's body, there are 29 or fewer scale rows. In most rat snakes, there are 8 supralabials, and over 220 ventral scales, with 70 to 100 subcaudals. The anal plate (scale) of the common rat snake is divided.
Wildlife habitat yard. I came out my back door, and this guy was moving through the garden along the side of the house. Fortunately it stayed put long enough for me to dive into the house and grab my camera. I managed to get a few pictures before it slid under the deck.
Spotted on Apr 10, 2014
Submitted on Apr 17, 2014
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