Rat Snakes in Virginia

The Eastern ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) is a non-venomous snake that is sometimes more commonly known as the black ratsnake. Although there are 30 species of snake that are native to the state of Virginia, there is only type of ratsnake that calls Virginia home. Although many humans find the large size of the black ratsnake intimidating, their agile ability to hunt rodents and other types of pests make them highly beneficial to the environment.

  1. Description

    • While most of the black ratsnakes in Virginia typically grow from 4 to 6 feet in length, it is not uncommon for this type of snake to grow to a length that can exceed 8 feet. While adults are generally black with white or have mottled white underbellies, juveniles display dorsal patterns of large black to dark brown spots on a light brown or gray background. While these markings disappear or fade as the snake becomes an adult, it is not unusual for younger snakes to be confused with the venomous copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix ) as the markings are somewhat similar.

    Location

    • Black ratsnakes are found in every part of Virginia. According to the Virginia Herpetological Society they are the most common snake seen around Virginia campgrounds. While black rat snakes prefer forest and woodland areas, they sometimes live in swamp areas, the mountains, or even open fields. It is also not unusual for them to dwell in residential areas, as long as there is a food source available.

    Hunting and Prey

    • Although the black ratsnake hunts in the day during the cooler months of spring and fall, it is more active at night during the hot months of summer. A constrictor, it captures its prey then squeezes until the defenseless animal can no longer breathe or put up a fight. Black ratsnakes rely on rats, mice, rabbits and other small warm-blooded animals as their main source of food. Their adept climbing skills do allow them access to bird nests, where they will not only devour any baby bird they encounter, but the eggs of the birds as well.

    Pilot Snake

    • The "pilot snake" is a nickname given to the black ratsnake because of an odd belief that it leads copperheads and rattlesnakes around in a hospitable manner, or warns them of impending danger. While it is true that it will share its den with a copperhead, other versions of the story imply that the pilot snake is actually a crossbreed between the black ratsnake and a copperhead or rattlesnake. This depends, of course, on which version you hear. Although there is no such thing as a venomous ratsnake, the juvenile's similar markings do give an understanding and sometimes some credence to an interesting story.