Also called the black snake, western rat snake, rusty black snake or pilot black snake, the black rat snake is a snake species found widely in the United States and Canada. It does not have venom even though some find its stark dark appearance intimidating.
Appearance and Biology
Black rat snakes are relatively large and their body length can range from 3 to 6 feet with some even reaching as much as 8 feet. In terms of body size, they can weigh over two kilograms but most on the average weight around one kilogram. The young ones start out with brown spots on a gray background then become darker as they grow older. Adults have a shiny black appearance and have a white underbelly.
Life Cycle
Breeding starts around May and lasts till the ending of June. Males hunt for females to mate with and fights can break out among the males over females. Up to 24 eggs can be laid by the female and can take up to two months to hatch.
Habitat
Black rat snakes occupy diverse locations and this is an indication of their great ability to adapt in various environments. Black rat snakes can climb very well and this explains why a great deal of their time is used staying in trees. They are also found in hills and farms but if given the option, they prefer forested areas with lots of big trees. Also, as a result of the fact that the black rat snake has excellent swimming abilities, it can also live in aquatic areas.
Diet
The black rat snake is a constrictor so it grips and suffocates its prey before swallowing them. Its diet consists primarily of rats, lizards, rabbits, birds, frogs, and others. It is known for regularly attacking nests of birds so as to consume their eggs, hatchlings or even adult birds right inside their nests.
Behavior
The young black rat snake is a target for larger predators. Attaining adulthood is also by no means an escape from bigger predators. When they sense danger, the black rat snakes become motionless and adopt a wrinkled position. Some can become defensive by rapidly vibrating their tails just like rattlesnakes.
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