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Information on Snakes | Information and Illustrations of Specific Snakes
Snakes of Massachusetts
Black Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta (42-72", up to 101")
MA Status: "Endangered." Illegal to harass, kill, collect or possess.
Adult Black Rat Snake
Juvenile Black Rat Snake
Our largest snake, the black rat snake can reach a length of eight feet,
but is usually much smaller. The adult snake is black with a white or
creamy yellow chin and throat. In contrast to the black racer, the belly of a rat snake is a mixture of light
and dark, giving a somewhat mottled appearance. Light areas are often
apparent between scales, and the scales on the back are weakly keeled. A juvenile rat snake is gray with light
spots running down the middle of the back, and has white eyes. This
pattern darkens with age and is generally undetectable once the snake
reaches a length of three feet.
Mating generally takes place in the spring, with 10-14 eggs laid in June or
July. Eggs deposited beneath rocks or in manure piles, rotting vegetation,
stumps or logs generally hatch in August and September.
Exceedingly rare in Massachusetts, black rat snakes have been found only in the
Connecticut Valley and southern Worcester County, where they occupy
rocky ledges and forested hillsides. Mammals, birds and bird eggs make
up the bulk of their diet and rat snakes will readily climb trees to
raid bird and squirrel nests. Young rat snakes feed on frogs and other
small prey. Black rat snakes readily bask in the open during spring
and fall. Although they are not particularly aggressive, they may bite,
defecate or spray musk when handled. Tail rattling may lead some people
to mistake them for rattlesnakes.
More Information on Black Rat Snake
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