Species Reptiles & AmphibiansBlack Rat Snake

Black Rat Snake

Pantherophis obsoletus

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)

The Black Rat Snake is a large, powerful constrictor that can exceed 8 feet in length. An excellent climber, it regularly ascends trees to raid bird nests. In the wild it is often seen in old barns and farmhouses hunting rodents.

Habitat
Forested hillsides, river bluffs, farmland, and suburban areas
Diet
Rodents, birds, bird eggs, and bats
How common
Common

Best time to see a Black Rat Snake

The best time to see a Black Rat Snake is April–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 27,712 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Black Rat Snake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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