The black rat snake is a non-venomous snake with a long, black body and white belly. It can be found throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, from the mountains to the shoreline.
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The black rat snake is the most widely distributed common rat snake. They are found throughout the Chesapeake watershed. They can live at sea level, as well as at much higher altitudes in the Appalachian Mountains.
The black rat snake grows to three to six feet in length. It has a black, scaly body and a white belly and chin. Young black rat snakes, called hatchlings, are light gray with black blotches along the back.
Black rat snakes mostly eat small rodents, such as mice, rats, moles and chipmunks. They are also known to feed on small lizards, frogs and bird eggs.
They kill their prey by constriction, which means the snake coils its body around the prey and holds on until the prey suffocates to death. It then swallows its prey whole and digests it slowly, over the course of several days.
The black rat snake’s most common predators include foxes, hawks and owls. It protects itself from predators by coiling its body and vibrating its tail in dead leaves, imitating the sound of a rattle. If they are picked up or handled, they may also release a foul-smelling musk to deter predators from eating it. Among the many species of rat snakes, black rat snakes are known to be the most combative when threatened.
Black and white snakes stand out for their visually striking color patterns. While not a single species, these snakes span multiple types – some harmless and others venomous. Their contrasting color scheme occurs in a diversity of forms, from bands to blotches and more.
These snakes inhabit regions worldwide, occupying forests, meadows, chaparral, wetlands and beyond. Several black and white species thrive right here in the US. Let’s explore some of the most popular:
9 Common Black and White Snakes
1. Puget Sound Gartersnake
The Puget Sound Gartersnake sports black scales with narrow white, yellow or blue stripes running the length of its body.
Originally deemed nonvenomous, this snake is now considered mildly venomous, with its saliva containing a weak toxin. Bites present little danger to humans but can potentially trigger minor allergic reactions.
Fun fact: This Gartersnake withstands the deadly neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, allowing it to feast on toxic newts avoided by other snakes.
2. Gopher Snake
Often confused with rattlesnakes due to similar markings, Gopher Snakes actually boast a harmless nature. Their color patterns range from beige and brown to black with white/cream splotches
Roaming everywhere from deserts to mountaintops, these snakes frequent backyards and farms in search of their favorite prey – rodents and rabbits.
3. Black Rat Snake
True to its name, the Black Rat Snake sports primarily black scales, with its white chin and throat only visible upon close inspection.
Despite its ominous color this nonvenomous constrictor poses no safety risk. It deftly climbs trees to raid bird and rodent nests.
4. Eastern Ratsnake
The Eastern Ratsnake dazzles with a black and white checkerboard belly contrasting its dark gray back and head
Look for this snake stealthily patrolling farms, forests and barns. It loves snacking on rodents, lizards and frogs.
5. Western Terrestrial Gartersnake
Western Terrestrial Gartersnakes showcase black dorsal patterns atop gray-green scales, bisected by a bold white stripe. Their mildly toxic saliva subdues small prey but is harmless to people.
6. Gray Ratsnake
Sporting dark gray or black upper scales and a white underside, the Gray Ratsnake resides throughout the eastern and central US. It’s an adept climber, ascending trees in its endless quest for avian eggs and rodents.
7. California Kingsnake
The California Kingsnake wears alternating bands of black and white (sometimes pink or brown too). Captivating as its colors are, this snake’s real claim-to-fame is its immunity to venomous bites – allowing it to feast on rattlesnakes!
8. Speckled Kingsnake
Dazzling speckles blanket the Speckled Kingsnake’s body from head to tail. It dwells in swamps and along rivers, ambushing unfortunate frogs and lizards passing by. When threatened, this snake may emit a foul musk or play dead.
9. Eastern Kingsnake
Lastly, the aptly named Eastern Kingsnake brandishes a nearly all-black appearance, interrupted only by sparse white bands circling its length.
Another venom-resistant snake, it boldly consumes dangerous pit vipers with no ill effects.
Are Black and White Snakes Venomous?
While many black and white snakes pose no danger, some species are in fact venomous.
The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake, for example, carries a potentially life-threatening bite requiring rapid medical intervention. On the flipside, most other black and white snakes are only mildly or non-venomous.
Some harmless varieties even prey on venomous snakes, thanks to their immunity. The Speckled Kingsnake, for instance, safely feasts on pit vipers.
Why Do Snakes Exhibit Black and White Coloring?
There are several evolutionary advantages driving this color scheme:
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Camouflage: Banded patterns blend into dappled light and shade, helping snakes go undetected.
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Mimicry: Some black and white species resemble deadly coral snakes, warding off predators.
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Temperature Regulation: Light and dark scales may absorb or reflect heat, allowing snakes to manage their temperature.
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Warning Signal: Vivid contrasting colors may warn predators that snakes are toxic or dangerous.
Reproduction and life cycle
These snakes emerge from hibernation in March through May and seek out a mate in late April to early June. Females typically reach sexual maturity at around four years old. Males use pheromones to initiate mating with females that pass through their territory. Five weeks after mating, females lay 12 to 20 eggs in a hidden area, such as under leaves or within a hollow log.
Eggs hatch 65 to 70 days later. Females may lay two egg clutches per year, if conditions are right. Black rat snakes typically live 10 to 15 years in the wild; however, these snakes have been known to live over 30 years in captivity.
- Black rat snakes are one of the most common snakes found in suburban backyards around the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Like most species of snakes, black rat snakes are not social creatures and prefer to live and hunt alone.
- These snakes are excellent climbers that are able to scale brick walls and tree trunks without any aid.
- Shy and secretive, black rat snakes usually avoid confrontation.
- Although they may strike if they feel threatened, black rat snakes are not venomous.
- Farmers often appreciate having black rat snakes around, as they will eat rats, mice and other pests.
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FAQ
What kind of snake is black and white?
California kingsnakes are relatively large snakes up to a about 4-5 feet in length. They are a shiny black color with white crossbands along the body. They occur a variety of desert habitats, but seem to be most common in riparian areas near water.
Are black and white king snakes venomous?
Notes/Miscellaneous. Black Kingsnakes are nonvenomous, but they may vibrate their tail, release musk and bite if handled.
Is the Eastern King snake poisonous?
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Non-venomous:Eastern Kingsnakes, like most snakes in the United States, are not venomous and do not pose a threat of poisoning through their bite.
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Defense Mechanism:While they are not aggressive, they may bite if they feel threatened or surprised, but they are not dangerous to humans or pets.
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Diet:They are known to eat other snakes, including venomous ones, and are immune to the venom of pit viper species such as copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes.
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Other Behaviors:They may also vibrate their tail and release musk when captured or threatened.
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Appearance:They are known for their striking black and white or black and yellow chain-like pattern.
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Habitat:They are found in a variety of habitats, including hardwood and pine forests, bottomlands, swamps, and even farmlands and suburban areas.
Are black and white water snakes poisonous?
Some individuals become almost completely black. The belly also varies in color. It can be white, yellow, or gray; usually, it also has reddish or black crescents. The common watersnake is nonvenomous and harmless to humans, but superficially resembles the venomous cottonmouth.
What is a black and white snake?
A black and white snake is one that has black and white bands or hoops around its body. The first such snake on this list is the bandy-bandy, also known as the “hoop snake.” Both of these common names refer to this distinctive feature.
Are black and white snakes venomous?
Black and white snakes could be either venomous or non-venomous, depending on their species. They could belong to the Elapidae family (venomous snakes with large fangs), Viperidae family (also venomous), or Colubridae family (mostly harmless and non-venomous).
What kind of snake has a white belly?
The Pine Snake is a fascinating member of the black snake with a white belly family. This snake is found in various parts of North America, including the southeastern United States, and is known for its unique characteristics and behavior. Its sleek black body and contrasting white belly stand out in its natural habitat.
What color is the chin of this black snake?
This species of black snake is known for having a white chin and a white throat. Common in North America, the snake is almost completely black.
How many types of black and white snakes are there?
You’ll find many different species of black and white snakes. Below, you’ll be able to meet 12 different species of black and white snakes, some of which are solely black and white, while others pair that iconic black-and-white theme with other colors.
Do black and white snakes brumate?
Many black and white snake species brumate during cold months. They hide in underground dens or rock crevices. Their activity decreases, making them less visible during winter. Can black and white snakes be kept as pets? Some species, like certain Ratsnakes, can be pets for experienced handlers.