Always remember to never attempt to touch or pick up a snake unless you have been trained in proper snake identification and handling. Knowing the difference in venomous and non-venomous snakes is essential in the wild and could save your life.
The black rat snake is a very timid type snake. They usually can be picked up correctly with no problems from the snake, with the exception of getting squirted with a little musk that has a very foul odor and taste. The musk release is their way of protecting themselves from predators that might want to eat them.
The black rat snake loves to dine on rodents, usually mice, but they will consume chipmunks, moles, lizards, frogs, and other small mammals. The black rat snake is a constrictor which means they bite their prey and then squeeze it until it suffocates before they eat it.
The black rat snake climbs very well in the trees. They are also good swimmers, which also allows the to get to various hunting locations easily. Black rat snakes are often found around barns, houses, grain silos, and old buildings because of the food source present. They have been known to be a farmer's best friend for killing mice and rats which damage, destroy, and carry diseases.
Actually, you might find this snake in most locations where a food source is available. The point to remember is that the black rat snake is non-venomous, non- aggressive, is helpful around farms and homes, and is only searching for food, so before grabbing the hoe or stick to KILL IT...step back and give it a chance to move on away.
To learn more about the black rat snake you can visit these online websites:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/Factsheets/Blackratsnake.cfm
http://muwww-new.marshall.edu/herp/snakes/black_ratsnake.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_rat_snake
Written by : Kathy Myers- Volunteer
