Black Rat Snake (Young) (Elaphe obsoleta)
  Nonpoisonous

Description: Adults typically shiny black; may show traces of a blotched or spotted pattern; skin between scales may be white, yellow, or red; Juveniles have 29-32 blotches along the body. As the snake matures, black pigment obscures the patterns.

Habitat: Rocky wooded hillsides areas near creeks and rivers.

Size: Typical adult length: 107-183 cm (42-72 in); Maximum: 75 inches.

Diet: Lizards, snakes, frog, birds eggs, small birds and mice; kills by constriction.

Natural History: One of the largest snake found in Nebraska. The Rat Snakes hunts by day except in the hottest days of summer. While it normally hunts on the ground the rat snake is a good climber and can be found hunting in trees where it often plunders eggs from bird's nests. When approached the rat snake may vibrate its tail in alarm. If handled this snake often strikes and bites.

Living up to its name the Black Rat Snake consumes large numbers of rodents and is considered beneficial. However common names don't always hold true. This snake is also referred to as the Pilot Blacksnake here in Nebraska. The myth was that rat snakes would guide rattlesnakes back to their dens in the fall (pilot meaning guide in this usage).

Similar species:

  1. Bullsnake more boldly patterned on tail, look for nearly black rings contrasting strongly with tan background. Anal scale undivided.
  2. Great Plains Rat Snake has arrowhead pattern on head.
  4. Fox Snake similar to young, spotted Black Rat Snake (less than 3 feet long ). For positive identification you have to count belly scales: 221 or more in Black Rat Snake; 216 or less in Fox Snake.
  5. In young blotched Racer the blotches spots fade away towards tail.