Black Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta
Black Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta
Colubridae
As the name suggests, the black rat snake is usually totally black in colour. Hatchlings are actually grey with black dorsal blotches, the pattern does eventually change to the characteristic black. In some specimens a white outline is present on some of the scales, this is a subtle reminder of the snake's old patterning.
Massachusetts, the Carolinas, Nebraska, Oklahoma.
4-6 ft is usual, some specimens can get larger though.
Up to 20 years.
36x15x15in.
Woodland, provide hides at both ends of the vivarium (both the warmer end and the cooler end). Sturdy branches may be used for the occasional climb. Warm end temperatures should be 88f and cool end temperatures should be room temperature.
Black rat snakes should be fed a diet of rodents.
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