Black Rat Snake

Elaphe obsolete obsoleta

Description:

This Black Rat Snake was spotted crossing the walking path across from the visitor's center at Huntley Meadows Park on April 26, 2013. "The black rat snake is a non-venomous snake with a long, black body and white belly. It can be found throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, from the mountains to the shoreline. Appearance: Black, scaly body White belly and chin Wedge-shaped head Young black rat snakes, called hatchlings, are light gray with black blotches along the back Grows 3.5-6 feet long Habitat: Lives in a wide variety of habitats, from rocky hills to dense forests to flat farmland One of the most common snakes found in suburban backyards. Range: Found throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, from sea level to the Appalachian Mountains Feeding: Eats mostly small rodents such as mice, rats, moles and chipmunks Also known to feed on small lizards, frogs and bird eggs Kills its prey by constriction, which means the snake coils its body around the prey and holds on until it suffocates to death. It then swallows its prey whole. Predators: Protects itself from predators by coiling its body and vibrating its tail in dead leaves, imitating the sound of a rattle May also release a foul-smelling musk if threatened Reproduction and Life Cycle: Emerges from hibernation in March-May Seeks out a mate in late April-early June. Males use pheromones to initiate mating with females that pass through their territory Five weeks after mating, females lay 12-20 eggs in a hidden area, such as under leaves or within a hollow log. Eggs hatch 65-70 days later. Females may lay two egg clutches per year, if conditions are right Other Facts: Excellent climbers that are able to scale brick walls and tree trunks without any aid Shy and secretive, usually avoiding confrontation May strike if they feel threatened. However, they are not venomous."Source Credit:Chesapeake Bay Program