Baird's Ratsnake

Range

The Baird’s Ratsnake is endemic to the United States. It can be found in the Big Bend region of western Texas. It can also be found in northern Mexico in the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.

Habitats

The Baird’s Ratsnake can be located across rocky, wooded areas of Cretaceous limestone canyons of the Edwards Plateau. It can also be found upland and desert parts of the Trans – Pecos. This specie is usually calm and slow-moving. Although, it will hiss and possibly attack if threatened. It feeds on small mammals like bats, birds, lizards and so on. Additionally, their reproduction process takes place in early summer. Then a clutch is given birth to in mid-summer. Incubation usually takes as long as 12 weeks.

Identification

This specie can grow up to 640 – 1400 mm in total length. Its scales are faintly keeled with 27 scale rows at midbody. The dorsal colour is grey-brown with scales edged in or orange-yellow on the forebody. But it goes deep orange or salmon toward the rear. Additionally, the belly is usually grey to yellow. It then darkens near the tail. The adults have 4 dark longitudinal stripes. It also has a divided anal plate. Lastly, it is known to be elusive and difficult to find in the wild.

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