";s:4:"text";s:11194:" Non-venomous. Conant, R. and Collins, J. Snakes of the World.
616pp. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1991. Black kingsnake, prairie kingsnake, western foxsnake, racer. Clutch Size: 5-27 eggs; hatching occurs in fall, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. Dorsal color is usually black spackled with bits … Return to Life List Index Return to Mike's Page, Elaphe obsoleta spiloides , Grey Rat Snake More images by Curtis Miyasaka. Areste, Manuel and Cebrián, Rafael. Like pythons and boas, rat snakes are constrictors, which suffocate their prey. Some specimens may be gray with blotches of brown or darker gray on back. A gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides), coiled on a bed of leaves, in a wooded area, near Drewry, Alabama. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. Gray Ratsnake, Pantherophis spiloides This common species, often referred to as the “chicken snake,” occurs across all of Tennessee. Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) Classification. Gray rat snake is a species of non-venomous snake that belongs to the colubrid family. Like pythons and boas, rat snakes are constrictors, which suffocate their prey. By using this site you agree to these terms and our Privacy Policy. Gray ratsnakes are constrictors and primarily eat mice and other rodents, birds and bird eggs. Unfortunately, no other group of animals has suffered such misunderstanding and persecution as the... Scientific name: Spilotes pullatus mexicanus.
Snakes of the World. Crazy about roller coasters? Gray Rat Snake The grey rat snake is a constrictor that is commonly found in the west of Mississippi River, western province of Appalachian Mountains, surrounding areas of Gulf of Mexico, and southwestern region of New England. Dorsal color is usually black spackled with bits of white between scales and having a light throat. This site uses cookies to improve the user experience and serve personalized content. Body mostly black or dark brown; some have a pattern showing through; mouth, chin and throat white. Are you wild about whales? Ratsnakes are excellent climbers and are frequently found near or in trees. Some adults will have red or orange pigment show through. Gray rat snakes are one of the longest snakes in North America, occasionally reaching lengths of 8 feet. Similar Species: Eastern Black Kingsnake and North American Racer both have smooth scales and bodies are more rounded.
Some species are also yellow, orange, reddish, cream, or any combination of the above. The grey rat snake is a constrictor that is Description: A large snake (42.0 to 72.0 inches in length) with a variable color pattern. Subspecies Occurring in Tennessee: None.
Gray rat snakes are one of the longest snakes in North America, occasionally reaching lengths of 8 feet. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives.
Rat snakes are extremely important, both as predators and as prey. Gray ratsnakes are exceptional climbers and often climb trees to bask or search for prey. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., 1987. flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/Elapheospiloides.htm.
But when you're done reading it, click the close button in the corner to dismiss this alert. Description. If cornered, they will usually coil up and vibrate their tail, and may strike. Habitat: Lives in a variety of habitats including woodlands (pine and hardwood), field edges, near streams, and around farms and suburban areas. A Gray rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta) at Monte Sano State Park in northern Alabama. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. The light-colored belly has dark square blotches that resemble a checkered pattern. Unlike other rat snakes, gray rat snakes retain their juvenile coloration (speckled pattern) as adults. The gray ratsnake is one of about ten species within the American ratsnake genus Pantherophis. The climber snake hunts by inhaling the scent of their preys. Your email address will not be published. Belly is whitish in color near the head, but becomes a black checkerboard pattern towards the tail. This common species, often referred to as the “chicken snake,” occurs across all of Tennessee. Diet: Preys upon small mammals and birds by constriction; also swallows bird eggs. Dorsal color is usually black spackled with bits of white between scales and having a light throat. Article was last reviewed on 4th September 2019. They are often found in farm buildings and old foundations. The gray rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta spiloides) is a medium/large constricting snake ranging from southern Indiana south to the Florida Panhandle, and west to Mississippi. Peterson Field Guide - Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. When threatened, rat snakes will "rattle" their tail, fooling other animals into believing they are venomous. Distribution of the Gray Ratsnake in Tennessee They are often found in the rafters of barns or other buildings. Your email address will not be published.
Gray ratsnakes are typically found in deciduous woodlands, prairies, stream valleys, and on rocky hillsides. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. Gray rat snake inhabits forests, marshes, scrublands and areas between the fields and forests. When threatened, rat snakes will "rattle" their tail, fooling other animals into believing they are venomous. Habitat and Wildlife Landowner Assistance, Donate to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund, Obtain a Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Number. commonly found in the west of Mississippi River, western province of Appalachian The various species also range from blotched and striped patterns to one solid color. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. The grey rat snake is a constrictor that is commonly found in the west of Mississippi River, western province of Appalachian Mountains, surrounding areas of Gulf of Mexico, and southwestern region of New England. These snakes may âfreezeâ when encountered, pulling their body into a series of kinks. Best places to see in Tennessee: A barn or other farm building with grain storage; or brushpiles in a yard. It can be found in the southeastern and central parts of the USA and Canada.