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​Eastern Rat Snake 

Eastern Rat Snake

Picture
Common Name: Eastern Rat Snake
​
Scientific Name: Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Physical Description: The Eastern Black Rat snake grows between 3.5 and 7 feet long on average and is characterized by a black or all grey dorsal side and a checkerboard black and white ventral side. The underside of their head is typically all, or mostly white-grey in color.

Habitat: The Eastern Rat Snake lives in a wide range of habitats, from deciduous forests to shrubland, and rocky crests to riverbanks. They are also capable of climbing trees. As an ectotherm, or “cold-blooded” animal, they require warm, sunny locations such as rocks and cleared soil to bask in and maintain homeostasis.

Range: East of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States from Florida to Massachusetts, and into New York west of Lake Champlain

Diet: Birds, eggs, lizards, mice and small mammals.

Life Span: They can live up to 20 years in human care.

Social Structure: Eastern Rat Snakes, like many species of snakes, do not provide care for their young, and live in solitude.

Status: Least Concern

Other: Eastern Rat Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, with 5-19 eggs laid per year on average7. A non-venomous species, they are constrictors, meaning they will use their body to entrap and suffocate their prey.

Eastern Rat Snakes are often killed by humans who mistake them for venomous species, or who find them a nuisance. By leaving snakes alone, they can provide services such as pest control and you can help to promote a healthy and diverse ecosystem.


[1] https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/90069536/90069545
[2] https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-ratsnake/blackrat_snake.php
[3] https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Reptiles/Black-Rat-Snake

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1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
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​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

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© 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
    • Press
  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • COVID Guidelines
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals >
      • Eastern Rat Snake
    • Our Plants
    • Parents
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Citizen Science >
      • FrogWatch
      • MonarchWatch
    • Conservation >
      • City Nature Challenge
      • Conservation Pledge
    • Cool Blue >
      • Cool Blue Schools
    • Programs
    • Educational Resources
    • Evening Lectures
    • Field Trips
    • Just 4 Teens >
      • CDC
      • Explorers
    • Teachers
  • Support
    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Appeal
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
    • Events
    • Gift Guide
    • Honor & Remember
    • Monthly Giving
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Wish List
  • Parties, Rentals & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
    • Preferred Vendors
    • Preferred Wedding Vendors
    • Event Guidelines
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • En Espanol
  • Buy Tickets