Description:
Scientific name: Pantherophis spiloides
Life span: 10-15 years
The gray rat snake, or gray ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides), is a species of non-venomous snake of the genus Pantherophis in the subfamily Colubrinae. It is also referred to as the central rat snake, chicken snake, midland rat snake, or pilot black snake.
In contrast to other Pantherophis, whose juvenile pattern is conspicuous and diminishes with age, the juvenile pattern of the gray rat snake in the southern region of its range does not experience major ontogenetic changes. Instead, it keeps the juvenile pattern, which consists of a solid band covering the eyes and extending rearward to the posterior upper labial scales, four or more pale gray body scales separating dark, elongate dorsal blotches, a light gray crown with dark stripes forming an anteriorly facing spearpoint, and so forth.
Native Region/Habitat
Pantherophis spiloides, a North American native, is frequently seen in the woodlands of the eastern and central United States. It is found nearly continuously in the eastern half of the United States, along the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains, from southwestern New England to the Gulf of Mexico, westward to the Mississippi River, and northward from northern Louisiana to southwestern Wisconsin.
The grey rat snake is a quick climber, is at home in a variety of hardwood forests and cypress stands, along tree-lined streams and fields, and even close to homes in barns, and sheds.
Behavior:
Like other rat snakes, the gray rat snake pauses when frightened and freezes, its body trapped in a sequence of wave-like kinks. The snake will also make an audible buzzing sound by rattling its tail against whatever it is resting on. The gray rat snake will feign a strike in order to defend itself by elevating its head. It will bite if necessary and musk a victim if handled by releasing the vile-smelling contents of its cloaca. Nonetheless, compared to other members of its genus, the grey rat snake is less likely to bite, and bite wounds hardly ever require more than a simple bandage.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
- Shoebox-sized cages can be used to house baby gray rat snakes, and as the snake grows, the enclosure can be expanded. Keep huge adults in 55-gallon tanks if possible. A gray rat snake’s size matters. Unless breeding will be attempted or the cage is quite big, they should be kept apart. Each snake should be able to pick their own spot in the enclosure without disturbing their cage mates.
- Gray rat snakes are strong constrictors that prefer live reptile prey, effortlessly consuming mice and rats of the proper size. They will also accept chickens, eggs, and birds.
- To reduce stress, be sure to create a light cycle with a contrast between day and night. For this, natural light is ideal; nevertheless, avoid placing the cage in the path of the sun. The temperature is highly tolerable to gray rat snakes. They will be able to choose a comfortable temperature along a gradient from 72 degrees F to 82 degrees F. An under-tank heater or light can be used at one end of the enclosure to achieve this. Whichever product you use, make sure to go by all manufacturer instructions and keep a close eye on the temperature. You can maintain humidity between 30% and 70%. The snake may soak and manage their own moisture requirements in a big bowl of water.
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