Eastern Ratsnake

Range

Found in the eastern United States. Range extends east to the Atlantic Ocean, west to the central Florida panhandle, north to North Carolina and south into the Florida Keys.

Habitats

Terrestrial. Found in a variety of habitats including wetlands, farmland, forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Can be arboreal and found in dense trees or even human home attics. Hibernate underground during colder months.

Identification

Large and stout body with adult length between 36 and 72 inches. Occasionally up to 90 inches long. Adult coloration is uniform black dorsum with cream colored chin & throat. Ventral side has white checked pattern fading to grey at the end of the body/tail. Also known as the black rat snake, chicken snake, and pilot snake.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians