Texas Rat Snake

Pantherophis obsoleta lindheimeri

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Adult at 4 to 5 feet in length, this subspecies is known to have attained 7 feet in length. This large constrictor is a variably colored, harmless, but often defensive, semi-arboreal snake. Ground color yellowish to gray to nearly black. This rat snake lacks striping but is strongly blotched dorsally. The visibility of the blotches depends on the ground color. Belly cream to light gray with scattered darker blotches. Scales are smooth on the sides and weakly keeled on the back. Oviparous. Hatchlings are gray with black saddles. Where the range of the Texas rat snake about that of the black rat snake a wide swath of intergradation occurs. Rodents, birds, and lizards are the preferred prey items of this powerful constrictor

 

Unique Features:

Because of the overlap in colors and patterns with other rat snakes, the Texas rat snake has no characteristics that could be considered unique. Rat snakes, as a group, will hiss if frightened and will often vibrate the tail. This latter, if in dried grass or leaves, will make a whirring sound that is rather similar to the noise of a rattlesnake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Woodlands to ranchlands, city dumps, beneath surface debris, and in hollow trees are all home to this big snake.Rodents, birds, and lizards are the preferred prey items of this powerful constrictor

 

Geographic Range:

AR, LA, TX, OK