Common Rat Snake

Common Rat Snake ~ Elaphe obsoleta

Adult body length: 42 – 72 inches, record 101 inches

Length when hatched: 11 – 16 inches

Breeding period: April – June

Young per year: 5 -30 eggs; average, 10 -14

Life expectancy: up to 20 years

Typical foods: small rodents such as rats and mice, birds and eggs

 The Common Rat Snake, or also called the Black Rat Snake,

is a non-venomous snake that can grow up to 8 feet long. They

kill plenty of small mice and rodents each years. When they are

threatened they have been known to shake their tail rapidly, much

like the venomous Rattlesnake. For this reason many people kill

them. This snake is a friendly snake but will defend itself if

aggravated.

   

 

   

 Go Back to Non-Venomous Snakes Page