Black Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta
The black rat snake is one of the
biggest snakes in New England, growing up to eight feet in
length. They range all across West Virginia and most of the
eastern United States, though they are not common in
Massachusetts. The state lists these snakes as endangered.
Adult black rat snakes are black with a whitish belly. They are primarily a forest-dwelling animal, but may also wander into a variety of other habitats such as swamp borders, river flood plains, abandoned sawdust piles, rocky hillsides, mountain ledges, farm buildings and even abandoned dwellings.
These snakes are powerful constrictors, suffocating small birds, squirrels, rats or rabbits and swallowing them whole. They often live in bushes and brush growing along dusty country roads or highways.
Black rat snakes can also climb trees! Many of them will actually live in trees. The red-tailed hawk is one of the black rat snake's greatest enemies. More often than not, it is considered to be the farmer's friend because of the rodent control it offers. They avoid human contact and pose absolutely no danger, even if bitten.
EcoTarium is home to one leucistic black rat snake who is on exhibit on the middle floor of the museum, and one black rat snake who comes out for "animal encounter" programs.
Written by Naturalist Kristy Sweeney