They are also known as “eastern racers,” though they do not only live in eastern North America. Black rat snakes are most vulnerable to predators when they are young and on the smaller side. Black rat snakes stalk their prey by hiding in holes in trees or man-made structures. Adult black rat snakes have few known predators other than humans. In the colder months of the year, the black rat snake will den up with other snakes including the timber rattlesnake and the racer. They are also excellent climbers, capable of climbing trees easily to catch their prey. Origin North and Central America Habitat Varies Overview The black rat snake and the related corn snake, E. guttata, were among the first to become firmly established in North American herptoculture, and remain pet trade staples. This may have caused the incorrect belief that the black rat snake leads the other snakes to shelter, earning it the name 'pilot snake'. Black rat snakes are excellent climbers and hunt for birds and eggs in trees. Because rat snakes are good climbers, maintaining an extra secure enclosure is key to keeping your snake in its home. This species, a member of the taxonomic order Rodentia, is distantly related to everything from the house mouse, to the capybara and the beaver.People around the globe refer to this rodent species as the ship rat, house rat, roof rat… The Black Rat Snake is a climber, often found in trees or rock crevices. Article was last reviewed on 4th June 2019. Adults are shiny black dorsally, with a cream or white chin and throat. These snakes live throughout the United States, with the exception of large portions of the Midwest. Home » Animals, Plants, Aquatic Life » Amphibians & Reptiles » Herp Atlas Project » Species of Lizards and Snakes Found in New York » Black Rat Snake Distribution Map Young Black Rat Snakes are light gray, with gray or brown blotches. When frightened, a black rat snake will freeze. Where to find them: Found in habitats very similar to those of the Northern Black Racer, including woodlands, rocky hillsides, and meadows. There are several different subspecies of black racer, and not all subspecies are black! At least 11 species of the genus Elaphe are found throughout North and Central America The taxonomy of this genus is confusing due to a wide … If harassed, it will produce a foul-smelling musk that serves to deter predators. Their belly has an irregular black and white checkerboard pattern, becoming uniformly slate gray towards the tail. The Black Rat is the smaller cousin of the brown rat. Related Species. Black Rat Snake Care Black Rat Snake Habitat Black Rat Snake Range Juvenile Black Rat Snake Published on August 26th 2016 by staff under Snakes. The black rat snake is a nonvenomous snake, but since most people fear snakes, it often falls prey to a human. Loss of habitat due to conversion of forests to agricultural or urban areas is a threat to this snake. The Eastern rat snake is a nonvenomous snake native to North America. The black rat snake’s diet is made up of small mammals, rodents, small birds, bird eggs and lizards. A solid latch is necessary to any black rat snake house, as well as some height to the cage to allow your snake climbing room. Juveniles have dark dorsal blotches on a grayish ground color. Foxes, raccoons, owls, and hawks commonly eat them. Most of the scales are weakly keeled; anal plate is divided. Learning to identify this snake could be useful since it is such a beneficial animal. Black racers are a common species of snake that lives in North and Central America. Housing the Black Rat Snake . Live throughout the United States, with a cream or white chin and throat snake that in... Such a beneficial animal since most people fear snakes, it often falls prey to a human and throat rat. 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