Eastern rat snakes, formerly known as black rat snakes, are large non-venomous snakes
between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long
. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white.
What kind of snake is a big black snake?
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
Description: As their name implies, black racers are relatively large — to 60 in (152 cm) — fairly slender, solid black snakes. They have smooth scales, large eyes, and often have some white coloration under their chin.
How big do black snakes get in PA?
The black rat snake is the largest of Pennsylvania's snakes, sometimes measuring
6-8 feet with documentation of individuals stretching to more than 100 inches
. Here two distinct species go by the generic title “black snake.” The other's the black racer, the state's second biggest legless reptile.
Are black snakes aggressive?
Black Snake Bites
The black snake is not venomous and
most species aren't known to be aggressive
, but if they feel threatened, they will bite. Rat snakes are excellent swimmers, so their first choice is to flee. Usually their size is the most intimidating feature, not their bite, as some can reach 8ft in length.
How large can black snakes get?
The length of a fully-grown black rat snake ranges from
3.5 feet to 8 feet
, although most measure between 3 and 5 feet in length. Adult snakes are mostly black and have a glossy appearance. Adults have a white throat and belly.
Will a garter snake bite you?
Potential problems with garter snakes
Like we said above, while they'
re relatively harmless, they can bite
. So you don't want to get too close to its mouth and certainly want to teach small children to stay away from them, even if they're not poisonous.
What is the longest black snake ever recorded?
According to the department, the largest Black Rat Snake ever recorded was
84 inches long
.
What attracts black snakes to your house?
- Mice.
- Leaf piles.
- Landscaping rocks.
- Dense shrubbery.
- Gaps in your home's foundation.
- Bird baths.
What smell do snakes hate?
Ammonia
: Snakes dislike the odor of ammonia so one option is to spray it around any affected areas. Another option is to soak a rug in ammonia and place it in an unsealed bag near any areas inhabited by snakes to deter them away.
Do black snakes come out at night?
>> They are diurnal (active during the day) even during hot weather, though
they do move at night on occasion
. >>
What should you do if you get bit by a black snake?
- remain calm.
- call 911 immediately.
- gently wash the area with soap and water if possible.
- remove tight clothing or jewelry because the area around the bite is likely to swell.
- keep the bite area below the heart if possible.
- do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.
What do you do when there's a black snake in your house?
- Remain calm and avoid disturbing the snake or driving her into hiding.
- If possible, carefully open a nearby door and use a broom to gently herd the snake outside.
Do black snakes keep Copperheads away?
Myth #1: They keep poisonous snakes away
Having a black snake won't guarantee that there are no other snakes around. … Black rat snakes, however, aren't known for snake killing. In fact,
they sometimes will hibernate with other species of snakes
, including copperheads and rattlesnakes.
Will a black racer snake chase you?
“Usually they're nervous and excitable and they're territorial,” said Tulsa naturalist Donna Horton. “They may chase
you to try to get you out of their territory
. They might only chase you three or four feet, even if you go a mile, but it will dart out at you and put up an act to defend its territory.”
Are black racer snakes good to have around?
They are
great climbers
and are found in our shrubs and trees, as well as on our houses and in our garages. Though sometimes confused with the cottonmouth, this snake is non-venomous and harmless. Harmless in the sense that a bite from will cause no harm – but it will bite.
Do black snakes live in holes?
While it is true that
snakes often hide in holes
, they do not construct their holes themselves — these are primarily the former holes of rodents, turtles and frogs. Additionally, snakes hide inside tree hollows, or under the leaf litter, rocks or bark.
