Pantherophis alleghaniensis - Eastern Ratsnake

Identification

The adult Eastern Ratsnake is black, but usually shows remnants of its juvenile pattern. It is a black and white checkerboard on the front half, and then turns to a solid dark tone towards the tail.

The Ratsnake has weakly keeled scales. Adults may be 5-6 feet long (the longest documented in Vermont is 75 inches).

Young Ratsnakes under 20 inches long have a pattern similar to Milksnakes, but they do not have the white "Y" on the back of the head that Milksnakes have. In addition, the blotches on the young Ratsnakes have corners so that they are more "X" shaped, rather than round. By the time Ratsnakes reach three feet in length they are mostly black. Unlike Racers, Ratsnakes have a pattern on their underside.

Range/Habitat

The Eastern Ratsnake is typically found in and around old buildings, old fields, and edges near rocky areas and ledges.

Status

This species has a state natural heritage rank of S2 (rare). The Eastern Ratsnake has been designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (high priority) in Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan and is threatened in Vermont. Please report all sightings of this species in Vermont. Take photos if possible. Even historic sighting information is useful.