Eastern Rat Snake

Pantherophis obsoletus

The Eastern Rat Snake is an excellent climber and a valuable predator of rodents. Adults are typically black with white chin and throat. It vibrates its tail when threatened, mimicking a rattlesnake.

Habitat

Forests, farmlands, swamps, and abandoned buildings

Diet

Rodents, birds, bird eggs, and occasionally lizards

How common

Common

Recent Eastern Rat Snake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Eastern Rat Snake? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More reptiles & amphibians

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

Desmognathus ochrophaeus

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Macrochelys temminckii

American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus