Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Reptiles & AmphibiansIn the app

This specie tends to become quite large, they are said to be the largest snakes in Canada. They can attain a total length (head to tail) of 3ft 6in - 6ft. They have been…

How to identify

This specie tends to become quite large, they are said to be the largest snakes in Canada. They can attain a total length (head to tail) of 3ft 6in - 6ft. They have been said to have attained a length of 8ft 5in making them the longest snakes in North America. Their body mass can range up to 0.5 - 2.2kg. Darkening occurs rapidly as they grow. Adults are glossy black above with white lips, chin, and throat. The skin between the scales along the sides may be red. The belly is white, blotched with gray or black. A black band passes between the eyes and angles down towards the mouth.

Range

Located west of the Mississippi River, from Eastern and Southward through Missouri and Arkansas to Western Louisiana. They are found across the Eastern half of Texas.

Habitat

Western ratsnakes live in a variety of habitats. They inhabit areas ranging from rocky hillsides to flat farmlands. They can be found taking shelter in brush piles, hollow trees, farm buildings and old houses with plenty rats and mice. They are constrictors, excellent climbers and very competent swimmers. They often consume rats, mice, lizards, frogs, squirrels, chipmunks, song birds, bird eggs, etc. Mating takes place in late May and early June. After 5 weeks, the female lays about 12-20 eggs. The eggs hatch about 65-70 days later in late August to early October in rotten stumps or logs, sawdust piles or under rocks.

Similar species

Pantherophis emoryi or Green plain's rat snake has a light gray or tan in colour with gray, brown or green gray blotching down its back. They can grow up to 3-5ft in length. Pantherophis alleghaniensis or Eastern rat snake is capable of attaining a maximum length of 90-180 cm. They are shiny black with white chin and throat. The belly has an irregular black and white checkered pattern. Pantherophis bairdi or Baird's rat snake can attain maximum length of 64-140cm. The dorsal coloration consists of an orange-yellow to bright yellow, overlaid with four stripes that run from the neck to the tail. The belly is generally gray to yellow, darkening near the tail.