It is sometimes mistaken for a black racer or black pine snake. The slide show has a photo of each snake that calls Alabama home. Scales are keeled. The venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake attacks blood, tissue, and the nervous system. The gray rat snake has a gray background color with brown to dark gray blotches. Montgomery Rat Removal. Startled as it crossed a foot path, the serpent immediately slithered toward a nearby tree and made its escape heading straight up the trunk. The lateral stripes are separated from the belly by a golden, brown or yellowish orange mid-dorsal stripe. Adults have red, black and yellow rings that encircle the entire body. They are green to brown with some darker pigmentation on their dorsal (top) side. (Wikimedia). Salt marsh snakes feed on small crabs and fish. Their eyes are brown, and their scales are smooth. But they also feed on other small rodents, birds, frogs and reptiles. Rough green snakes are found in a variety of habitats. The tail is short and stout with a rattle or button at the end. The red milk snake is a medium sized snake that may reach a length close to 40 inches. Southern water snakes feed on a variety of aquatic prey to include frogs, small fish, crayfish; tadpoles, and salamanders. Coachwhip's bellies are of the same color as their backs, but sometimes have two rows of black dots running lengthwise of the body. You can follow him via Facebook, Twitter at BenHRaines, and on Instagram. (Wikimedia). All of the members of the ratsnake family are non-venomous. Dry areas such as old fields, forest openings and hardwood hammocks are also utilized. Its vibrant colors of red black and yellow make it one of the most beautiful snakes found in Alabama. Their coloration varies from almost uniformly black, to brown, to olive, or grey; or they may have irregular patterns of dark blotches down the back, alternating with dark spots on each side. Three native species have possibly been extirpated from the state. It was quite amazing to watch, as the bulk of his body weight dropped several feet, and yet he didn’t fall. (Photo/John D. Wilson). 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. The head is black with a light collar. A couple narrow stripes may be seen running down the length of the body. They usually are 1 inch or less in diameter. Montgomery Rat Removal is a very common pest problem and a common complaint received in the areas of Montgomery Alabama. Brown water snakes are large snakes that can reach a total length of 30-55 inches. Belly is white with boxlike dark gray to brownish blotches and dark spots that become stripes under the tail. Keep in mind that several of these species have a wide range of coloration, depending on where they live and diet. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. No wonder then that some of the key items on the ratsnake diet are birds, bird eggs, and small mammals like squirrels. Their belly has light spots resembling half-moons against a uniform gray or brown background. Their heads are typically small and barely distinct from the neck, the bodies are cylindrical, the scales smooth, and they have a single anal scale. Plain-bellied water snakes are relatively large, thick bodied, harmless, semi-aquatic snakes. They are thick bodied snakes that may reach 46 inches in length, but usually are 20-30 inches long. HIGHEST CONSERVATION CONCERN. Timber rattlesnakes inhabit hardwood forest with rocky outcrops, pine flatwoods, bottomland hardwood forests, and cane thickets. Often encountered around human dwellings and erroneously called "ground rattler." Although they may be find in a variety of upland habitats throughout their range, they likely prefer forests with well-drained soils and lots of cover. The ringneck snake is a small, slender snake that can reach a length of about 18 inches, though some have been captured up to 24 inches (average 10 to 15 inches). Two bold, longitudinal rows of black spots separate a rose-colored band from two lateral lemon-colored bands on belly. (Photo/ Noah Mueller). Mud snakes inhabit swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow moving mud-bottom streams. More Alabama Colubrid Snakes. They often can be seen sunning on logs or overhanging branches from which they drop into the water when alarmed. The belly is white with large rectangular markings arranged irregularly or in a checkerboard fashion. Females are generally larger than males. Its head is small, somewhat flattened with a rounded snout and is darker in color than the rest of the body. The Northern Pine snake has a moderately stout body. The gray ratsnake or gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides), also commonly known as the central ratsnake, chicken snake, midland ratsnake, or pilot black snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the genus Pantherophis in the subfamily Colubrinae. (Wikimedia). The belly is a yellow to orange with a single row of black half-moons down its midline. A small secretive snake of damp pine flatwoods; occasionally appears in residential areas. The body is unpatterned and may be peach, tan, or light brown. The Glossy Crayfish Snake is a small and slender snake. The snake is smooth scaled with a uniform blue-black color. The eastern smooth earthsnake is a small, slightly stout, plain-colored snake with a conical head. The Southern water snake also has a dark stripe extending from the eye to the corner of its mouth. Also known as: Water moccasin. Some individuals may be uniformly tan or cream colored, and a melanistic (all black) phase occurs as well. Two men at work Monday spotted two snakes that originally some thought was a python. The dorsal (top) surface of these snakes typically is gray to tan in color with black bordered dark gray or brownish blotches (red in juveniles) down the back with similar smaller blotches on sides of the body. This snake can be found hiding under leaf litter, logs, and other cover objects within hardwood forests and around wetland edges. They usually are not found in freshwater environments. My wife, Shannon, a little alarmed by all the ratsnake skins found in our barn. Found in wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands, around springs, woodlots, barnyards and abandoned houses. Adults are yellowish gray or light brown in color, often with orange-red tinges on the back. They feed primarily on rodents. Their belly is light-colored with darker blotches some of which are shaped like a half moon. You’ll see as he manages to hold on to the limb with just his tail. The color is gray to light brown or reddish brown. Mole kingsnakes likely feed on a wide variety of small mammals, lizards, and other similar-sized prey. They sometimes take to the water in pursuit of prey. (Wikimedia). Summary 6 The gray ratsnake or gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides), also known as the central ratsnake, is a member of the genus Pantherophis in the subfamily Colubrinae. Fun… A large number of snakes, both venomous species, and non-venomous species call Alabama their home. The gray ratsnake, often referred to as the “chicken snake” or the “rat snake”, is the most common snake found to enter homes in Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Snake Control Experts are trained to catch both venomous and nonvenomous snakes. In the video, you will see a branch break as he slithered onto it. (Photo/Glenn Bartolotti). Many people mistake them for a venomous species because of their broad head. Turns out experts with the Alabama Herpetological Society say it was a “harmless grey ratsnake." (wikimedia). Roof Rat: Hundreds of years ago, the roof rat was introduced into the United States by hitchhiking on ships coming from other countries where they were common. They get this name because of a pit, or tiny hole, located between the eye and nostril. The Ribbon Snake has a sequence of 19 keeled scales, which are rough to the touch with a ridge in the center of each scale. The North Florida Swampsnake is a small aquatic snake with a shiny, black back and red belly. These snakes often are confused with the venomous cottonmouth/water moccasin. The Red Cornsnake is a medium-sized to rather large snake attaining a maximum length of about 72 inches. Mississippi green water snakes prefer calm waters such as lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, or bayous. The gray rat subspecies is slightly smaller than the black rat, attaining a maximum length of only about 84 inches. (Photo/Scott Gravette). The belly is plain white or cream-colored. (Photo/David Rogues). Collected from ponds by pulling dense aquatic vegetation on to shore, or by inspecting under boards and debris near the edges of ponds. (Photo/ Digby Dalton). The Midland Snake is a heavy bodied aquatic snake which can be commonly confused with the venomous Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin. Photo about A Gray Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta) at Monte Sano State Park in northern Alabama. It has a narrow yellow or cream-colored ring around the neck from whence it gets its name. Body moderately stout, but head only slightly wider than neck. Black rat snake. Belly has black square blotches infused peripherally between the red, ventral scales. Its base color is typically light brown, though pink or yellowish hues may be present. Currently a candidate for federal listing. A large snake of dry, periodically burned open pine or mixed pine-scrub oak forest with abundant groundcover vegetation. This snake frequents canals, ditches, cypress ponds, lakes, and swamps, especially those with lush vegetation. A lighter to darker cross-banding pattern may be seen, especially on the sides. (Wikimedia). Large, nonvenomous snake that is commonly found in rafters and trees. However, in captivity, they can be other colors such as yellow and gray. They are terrestrial burrowers, typically found under rocks, rotten logs, leaf litter, or debris such as roofing tin, boards, or trash. Adult garter snakes are usually between 18-26 inches long, but may reach 36 inches in length. Adult body lengths usually range from 3 to 5 feet. Both the yellow and red rings are surrounded by black rings so the red and yellow rings never touch. I believe it was technically a western rat snake. The top of their head is a copper color, hence the name copperhead. The color is gray to light brown or reddish brown. Belly usually checkered or mottled with black and yellow. Both snakes are brilliantly colored with red, yellow, and black bands. Plain-bellied water snakes can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, but are most common in larger, more permanent bodies of water such as rivers, swamps, marshes, and ponds. A relatively small aquatic snake with a slender body measuring 15-24 inches long. Thus, the common nicknames "horned snake" and "stinging snake." Their red bands are wider than are their black and yellow bands. The rattle is composed of hollow, interlocking segments that click against each other when the tail vibrates. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). They have large heads with strong jaws. Coachwhips are slender bodied snakes relative to their length. There are two subspecies of Pantherophis guttatus: 1. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white. It can be found in the southeastern and central parts of the USA and Canada. The intervals between the saddles are white, cream, yellowish, or gray in color. Adults average 50-72 inches long, but have been recorded up to 102 inches in length. (Wikimedia). The Eastern Wood Snake is common statewide. Eastern hognose snakes are sometimes referred to as "puff adders". Snakes can be removed from in houses, basements, garages, and all other places a snake may invade a home or business. Scales smooth, in 15 rows near mid-body, and anal plate divided. Found in dry, upland habitats. Individuals may vary from light gray anteriorly to rusty-brown posteriorly. Pigmy rattlesnakes, as their name would imply, are miniature rattlesnakes. Many of these snakes live in urban or neighborhood settings in the city of Huntsville. General ground color varies from tan to brownish gray. They can be found in northern New York down through Georgia, and west across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Higher population densities exist in dry coastal plain woodlands, but rough earth snakes may be found on exposed, rocky, wooded hillsides as well as in heavily timbered uplands and valleys. The topside of the snake contains the characteristic yellow diamond shapes surrounding black and brown centers. Image of biology, environmental, reptilian - 15542462 It is commonly dark brown in color with lighter broad bands throughout the length of the body. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Cottonmouth are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. They are very similar in appearance to the scarlet king snake. Queen snakes are highly aquatic snakes most commonly found in smaller streams and rivers with moving water, but can also be found in ponds and lakes. (Photo/Glenn Bartolotti). The Rainbow Snake is semi-aquatic, exhibiting a preference for spring-fed runs, clear streams, and clear rivers, reportedly tolerating saltwater habitats such as, marshes, bay shores, inlets, and estuaries. Their pupils are round. Occurs in greatest abundance around abandoned farms and other places where small rodents are likely to thrive. I once eliminated a 6-foot-4-inch “black snake” at my back door. Easily distinguished by smooth, polished, black to dark brown scales on back and sides brightly overlaid with a series of 23 to 52 narrow, cream, or yellow transverse bands. A key character is the markedly pointed snout with an enlarged rostral scale for pushing into soft earth. The maximum recorded length is 24 inches. This snake often has squared reddish belly spots and is sometimes confused with the cottonmouth - which in contrast, has no reddish belly spots. Corn snakes have black-bordered red or dark orange blotches that run down the middle of the back, on a reddish orange or brownish orange background color. In the video above, you can watch such with your own eyes as a ratsnake I surprised in my field made his arboreal escape. Because of its secretive nature and moving mainly at night, they are rarely encountered. Red milk snakes are usually associated with dry, open woodlands and woodland edges. The longest one on record was almost 70 inches long. Body pattern consists of alternating, complete, transverse rings of red, yellow, and black (with red and yellow rings touching) that continue completely around venter. All rights reserved (About Us). Eastern milk snakes are medium sized snakes that range in total length from 24-52 inches. Although not considered aggressive, species does possess the most toxic venom of any North American snake; thus, potentially very hazardous to humans and should never be handled. Browse 490 rat snake stock photos and images available, or search for black rat snake or eastern rat snake to find more great stock photos and pictures. They are usually between three and five feet long, but some individuals may reach lengths of more than six feet. Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer. It has no distinct markings. This snake was a solid six feet long, his body bearing the classic alternating bands of light gray and white scales typical of rat snakes in Alabama. Scales are keeled. The caption info under each photo offers a physical description of the snake, the habitat they prefer, and what they eat. Adults mainly feed on mice and eggs, but will also eat birds, insects, rats, bats and other small mammals. The belly is plain white or cream-colored. Gray Rat Snake. Many species make attractive and docile pets and one, the corn snake, is one of the most popular reptile petsin the world. At maturity adults can range from 16-28 inches long. Top of head and snout black and occiput has a broad yellow band. (Wikimedia). Gray rat snake inhabits forests, marshes, scrublands and areas between the fields and forests. Mud snakes are large aquatic snakes that attain lengths up to 80 inches, but generally are 40 to 65 inches in length. (Photo/Dagmar Thurmond). So, it is not surprising that roof rats are now often found in Southern Alabama and around the port cities. Status: Lowest conservation concern. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Rough green snakes are particularly abundant along the edges of ponds or streams where they can be found in the overhanging branches of trees and shrubs. Some bands may be broken and often terminate, or are linked together, on the lower sides. The corn snake, (Pantherophis guttatus guttatus) lives in the southeastern United States, and is distinguished by having brownish-red skin with orange/red saddles, the saddles having black borders, and usually a black and white underbelly. The upper jaw contains movable recurved fangs. Copperheads have elliptical pupils. They are called "hognose" because of their upturned snout and broad head. a professor of biological sciences at Utah State University who specializes in the biology of snakes A medium-sized, slender snake with a short, blunt head only slightly wider than neck. (Photo/John D. Wilson). Timber rattlesnakes eat small mammals such as mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and occasionally frogs and birds. The black racer is a relatively long and slender snake. The act of striking can extend up to two-thirds the length of the snake. Most snakes encountered here are rat snakes, which are very common and aren’t venomous, but the state’s six venomous snakes may also be encountered.” Secor said the state’s six venomous snakes are copperheads, coral snakes, water moccasins/cottonmouths, pigmy rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Pit vipers have a set of well developed fangs capable of injecting venom. The western rat snake has one of the largest distributions of all common rat snakes. Like most other North American water snakes, diamondback water snakes are extremely aggressive and will bite hard and repeatedly if cornered. This species is a small snake, typically less than 16 inches, with a blunt head. Typically, these snakes have three yellow stripes running down the length of their backs, but the stripes are sometimes reddish and sometimes closer to white than yellow. Scales shiny and smooth; lower scale rows with a faint, longitudinal line, giving the appearance of keeled scales. 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