| Size:
4 - 6 ft |
|
| Distribution
|
| With a statewide
distribution, the black rat snake is our most common constrictor.
One of our most fascinating and adaptable snakes, it is also misunderstood
and hated by poultry farmers. Its nickname "chicken snake"
comes from the fact that the rat snake is an opportunistic predator
that will sneak into a chicken coop in search of an easy meal.
When startled, the rat snake can, and usually will, become extremely
defensive and can inflict painful bites. Rat snakes are non-venomous,
but bites have been known to become infected, usually a result of
bacteria. |
| *Note: Collins,
Joseph T. & Travis W. Taggart (2008. An alternative classification
of the New World Rat Snakes (genus Pantherophis [Reptilia: Squamata:
Colubridae]). Journal of Kansas Herpetology 26: 16-18) resurrected
the generic name Scotophis for this species. Standard common name
remains Western Rat Snake. |
|