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Latest news about Rat Snake Black History
Blue Jay Barrens: Black Rat SnakeBlack Rat Snake. I don't post every one of my snake encounters, but I always take pictures. Besides having a basic liking of snakes, I feel they have an important role in my overall management efforts. I try to manage for healthy plant and animal communities. I've always believed that an indicator of ecosystem health is its ... My discussions of flora and fauna are not intended to be a complete life history. There are plenty of good references for this type of information. Continue reading
Wayfarin' Stranger: Welcome VisitorHe was about four feet long and could have been any of three species of black snakes we have in this area. But being extra skittish pointed to a black racer (Coluber constrictor). He paused long enough for another shot, ... Continue reading
La Belle Dame de Merci: La Belle Hobby Farm: How to Keep Out ...This beauty is a Black Rat Snake ~ about a 6-7 footer I would guess. At least he (or she) was keeping the mice and mole population under control in the cellar! Black rat snakes are common in Virginia and quite harmless. Continue reading
Hartwood Roses: Preparing for Garden GuestsSee him? This Black Rat Snake is a welcome addition to the outdoor cast of critters around here, since he is always on the prowl for vermin that may find their way into the house. ... 800 varieties so far ... is on my web site: HartwoodRoses.com) I love roses (especially old roses), and gardening, and history, and building things ... all of this has come in handy as we restore our historic house (built in 1848) renovate the outbuildings, and design the gardens. This blog ... Continue reading
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The Black Rat Snake is native to parts of North America though its largest range is in the United States. Unfortunately the Black Rat Snake is now endangered in Canada. The decrease in their numbers is due to a variety of factors; among these are hunting and trapping for the pet trade and habitat destruction. Much of their natural range has been destroyed by development. Their range has been restricted to two very small habitat paths in Canada. These lie in the Kingston area and along the shore of Lake Erie. Today these snakes are protected by law and in Canada it is illegal to keep them as pets without the proper ministry permits. Additionally, because many people are afraid of snakes, they are often killed on sight. If the Black Rat Snake is lost in Canada, the rodent and bird populations, which it usually controls, will boom and its useful pest control function will be lost, in addition to the loss of a beautiful creature. Luckily, even though the Black Ratsnake may be threatened in Canada the largest portion of its range is in the eastern United States. This is still a very common snake from Pennsylvania to the mountainous regions of the Carolinas and west to Oklahoma and Illinois. It is readily available in the United States away from the periphery of its range.