Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
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 & thr…
How to identify
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.
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.
Habitat
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.
Variations
Juveniles: Greyish brown background color with dark blotches along dorsum.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Alleghaniensis: Belonging to the Allegheny Mountains.
More illustrations
Red coloration
Yellow coloration
Juvenile
At a glance
Range
Found in the eastern United States. Range extends east to the Atlantic Ocean, west to the central Florida panhandle, north to…
Habitat
Terrestrial. Found in a variety of habitats including wetlands, farmland, forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Can be arboreal…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap