Texas Rat Snake
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Family: Colubridae Genus: Pantherophis
Species: Pantherophis obsoleta
Growing up to 72 inches in length, the Texas Rat Snake is a powerful constrictor with beautiful, blotched scales. It is a shy snake, and if startled, it will freeze or wrinkle itself up. If it is further threatened, it will flee or rattle its tail in an attempt to imitate the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake. Many snakes imitate venomous snakes, but when in doubt, always assume the worst and back away. It is an excellent climber and spends a great deal of time in trees. Because of this, it often hunts tree-nesting birds and their eggs. If handled, it will emit a foul-smelling musk that is said to be worse than the musks of other snakes.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Vary dramatically between different ranges, but generally have a brown, tan, or yellow back with brown to olive-green irregular splotching over the entire back; Unlike other rat snakes, they have solid grey heads
Size: Ranges from 36 to 72 inches in length
Diet: Voracious appetite includes mostly rodents, eggs, and birds
Habitat: Brushy, wooded areas, grasslands, and abandoned structures; also known as the “Chicken Snake” since they are found in chicken barns eating eggs
Defensive behavior: Relatively timid considering their size; variable temperament; adults bite when approached, and juveniles are either docile or will bite; rattle tails when threatened and musk
Credit source: The Reptile Database and INaturalist
