Length 42-72 in. (107-183 cm.) |
When first encountered, most black rats freeze in position, blending
in with their surroundings. They remain motionless until grasped. Although
some offer little or no
resistance when first captured, many will vibrate their tail rapidly
and strike repeatedly. When picked up, they usually coil tightly about
the arm and discharge a
foul-smelling substance from the anal scent glands. After being handled
for a short time, they usually calm down. From then on they make excellent,
hardy captives.
Black rat snakes often hibernate in rock crevices in the company of
other snakes, such as copperheads and rattlers. This habit gave rise to
the fallacy that rat snakes
"pilot" these venomous snakes to safety in time of danger; thus they
are often called pilot black snakes.Rodents, birds and bird eggs, and lizards
are favored prey by rat snakes.
Of all the snakes senselessly slaughtered out of ignorance and fear,
the black rat snake is one of the most common. The fact is that black rat
snakes are one of
our most beneficial and splendid reptile assets; they play an essential
role in controlling destructive rodents.