ArielSD
Respect
Don't fear the snake, but do respect it. Nature has a purpose for this remarkable creature.
Northern VA; Black Rat Snake, Pilot Snake or Black Snake. Adults can become quite large and are known to reach up to eight (8) feet, being the largest snake found in Canada. The record length is 101 inches (2,600 mm), making it (officially) the longest snake in North America.
Elaphe obsoleta is a non-venomous colubrid species found in North America. It prefers heavily wooded areas and they are known for having excellent climbing ability, including the ability to climb the trunk of large mature trees without the aid of branches. When startled, they may freeze and wrinkle themselves into a series of kinks. Usually non-aggressive, but if cornered they may vibrate their tails and strike.
This species is a constrictor, meaning it suffocates its prey, coiling around small animals and tightening its grip until they can no longer draw breath, before eating them. Though they do consume mice and rats, the Black Rat Snakes will also hunt other snakes, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and bird eggs.
Respect
Don't fear the snake, but do respect it. Nature has a purpose for this remarkable creature.
Northern VA; Black Rat Snake, Pilot Snake or Black Snake. Adults can become quite large and are known to reach up to eight (8) feet, being the largest snake found in Canada. The record length is 101 inches (2,600 mm), making it (officially) the longest snake in North America.
Elaphe obsoleta is a non-venomous colubrid species found in North America. It prefers heavily wooded areas and they are known for having excellent climbing ability, including the ability to climb the trunk of large mature trees without the aid of branches. When startled, they may freeze and wrinkle themselves into a series of kinks. Usually non-aggressive, but if cornered they may vibrate their tails and strike.
This species is a constrictor, meaning it suffocates its prey, coiling around small animals and tightening its grip until they can no longer draw breath, before eating them. Though they do consume mice and rats, the Black Rat Snakes will also hunt other snakes, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and bird eggs.