Western (Black) Rat Snake
Scotophis obsoletus
Scotophis obsoletus
| 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. |