Western Black Ratsnake

BlackRatSnake

Western Black Ratsnake NONVENOMOUS

Other Names: Black Ratsnake, Pilot Blacksnake
Scientific Name: Pantherophis obsoleta
(Formerly: Elaphe obsolete)
Family: Colubridae
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Description & Size


  • Legless
  • No eyelids
  • Lacks external ears
  • Scales on the back have low ridge in the middle (weakly keeled)
  • Divided anal scale
  • Total length: 100.0-256.5 cm (39.4-101.0 in)
  • Back color: black
  • Belly and chin color: white, may or may not have a dark checkerboard pattern on belly
  • Juveniles: usually strongly blotched pattern on the back with light coloration in between

Habitat


  • Almost any habitat in their range
  • Moist woodlands
  • Rocky outcrops with woodland and/or grasslands near
  • Rural buildings (barns, sheds, etc.)

Diet


  • Birds
  • Bird eggs
  • Small mammals
  • Reptiles
  • Frogs

Life History


  • Active season: Early April – mid-October
  • Breeding season: May – July (Fitch, 1963)
  • Lays eggs
  • Around 10-12 eggs per female
BlackRatSnake range