Are black rat snakes in South Carolina?
In our region, black rat snakes are found in the mountains and Piedmont regions of central Georgia and South Carolina.
Are black rat snakes poisonous?
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. Predators include hawks and other snakes.
Are black rat snakes aggressive?
Black rat snakes are eager to avoid contact with humans and are not naturally aggressive, but people who encounter them and are not knowledgeable about them tend to be frightened nonetheless because of their large size.
Are black snakes in South Carolina poisonous?
People are familiar with them, know them to be non-venomous, and refer to both of them as “black snakes.” However, because they look rather similar, some people may not know there are two different species of these black colored snakes. The former species is the black rat snake, the latter is the black racer.
What does a rat snake look like in SC?
Rat snakes (Elaphe [Pantherophis] obsoleta) are found throughout the state. They are usually gray or dark-gray in color with large darker blotches on the back and sides. In coastal areas they are greenish or yellow in color with black stripes that run the length of the body.
How can you tell a black rat snake?
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: The adult snake is black with a white or creamy yellow chin and throat. In contrast to the black racer, the belly of a rat snake is a mixture of light and dark, giving a somewhat mottled appearance. Light areas are often apparent between scales, and the scales on the back are weakly keeled.
Can a black snake hurt a dog?
Thanks! Snakes will usually not attack any person or animal unless they are threatened or actually attacked. Your black snakes are probably rat snakes-about 6.5-7 feet. Your dogs and snakes will usually avoid each other and rarely come into actual contact so a snake bite would be rare.
Is a black snake a rat snake?
Pantherophis obsoletus – also known as the western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, or simply black snake – is a non-venomous species of Colubridae found in central North America. No subspecies are currently recognized. Its color variations include the Texas ratsnake.
What do black racer snakes look like?
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. The belly is generally uniformly dark gray or black.