Species Reptiles & AmphibiansEastern Rat Snake

Eastern Rat Snake

Pantherophis obsoletus

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

The Eastern Rat Snake is an excellent climber and a valuable predator of rodents. Adults are typically black with white chin and throat. It vibrates its tail when threatened, mimicking a rattlesnake.

Habitat
Forests, farmlands, swamps, and abandoned buildings
Diet
Rodents, birds, bird eggs, and occasionally lizards
How common
Common

Best time to see a Eastern Rat Snake

The best time to see a Eastern 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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Often confused with

Copperhead - see how to tell them apart

Recent Eastern Rat Snake sightings near you

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

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