Great Plains Rat Snake

Range

An uncommon snake of the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains.

Description

Weakly keeled scales. A brown to light gray body, dark brown to red-brown blotches on back. Belly white with black or dark gray square markings. Top of head has markings shaped like a spear point. Young patterned like adults. Adults 24-36 inches in length.

Habitat and Habits

A snake of open forests, forest edges and rocky hillsides. Active from March-October. Breeds in spring, lays from 3-30 eggs that hatch by September. A constrictor, it feeds on rodents, birds, and in areas with caves, it will feed on bats.