Description:
Scientific name: Pantherophis obsoletus
Life span: 10-30 years
A non-venomous species of snake belonging to the Colubridae family is called Pantherophis obsoletus; usually referred to as the western rat snake, pilot black snake, simply black snake or black rat snake.
Native Region/Habitat
P. obsoletus is distributed throughout the area west of the Mississippi River, from eastern and southern Iowa through Missouri and Arkansas to western Louisiana, west to eastern Texas, and north through Oklahoma and eastern Kansas to southeastern Nebraska. They have evolved to live in a range of habitats, such as bayous, prairies, and rock outcrops, but they appear to favour wooded places, particularly those with oak trees.
Behavior:
Numerous creatures, including other snakes, when they are still young, prey upon rat snakes. After they reach adulthood, huge birds of prey and mammalian carnivores, such as the American mink, which weighs no more than an adult rat snake (especially red – tailed hawks), easily prey upon them. They may freeze and contort themselves into a series of kinks when startled. They may immediately run or their tail may quiver if they feel more frightened (potentially a form of mimicry, which makes them sound like rattlesnakes). Moreover, they have the ability to produce an offensive scent that, if detected, they will spray onto predators.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
- Adults can live in a glass aquarium that is 30 to 40 gallons in size and has a screen lid. The cage should be bigger and taller the better it is! These snakes are extremely curious and will thoroughly investigate every area of their environment. More activity and satisfaction of this species’ climbing instinct are provided by taller enclosures.
- Under tank heaters, heat tape, and heat cable can readily provide the 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit habitat that rat snakes require (on the outside of the cage not the inside). Temperatures between 85 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for sunbathing. During night, the temperature can drop as low as 75°F.
- A moderate humidity range of 35 to 60% should be employed for shedding. A large water bowl, a fogger, a mister, or routine spraying can all be used to increase the humidity measured by a hygrometer.
- Although kept in captivity, these snakes are usually fed on mice and little rats. Only pre-killed prey should be offered because live prey, especially for confined snakes who are not accustomed to it, has the potential to kill or badly hurt them. Chicago Exotics suggests feeding completely thawed frozen rats. Hatchlings can be fed every 5-7 days. Children should be fed every seven to ten days, while adults should eat every ten to fourteen days.
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