Rat Snake Everglades basic information

One of the largest Rat Snakes found in North America, the Everglades Rat Snake averages between 36 and 72 inches in length, although they can reach up to 90 inches (though this is NOT the norm). When young, the Everglades Rat Snake has dark gray blotches on a lighter background on the dorsal surface, and light and dark gray checks on the undersides. As the snakes mature, the color changes from gray to orange or orange-red. They have four stripes and sometimes blotches. These markings are usually quite close in color to the background and cannot be seen. In captivity, a hypomelanistic variety is bred. This variety is usually solid bright orange. Purebred Everglades Rat Snakes have red tongues and red eyes with black pupils and the blotches and stripes almost dissappear completely by maturity.