These snakes will give most people pause upon encounter. Their
light color and near-diamond pattern are similar to local rattlers. But don’t
fear; you’ve just met another non-venomous reptilian native. Adult Southwestern
Rat Snakes (SRS) range from 24-48 inches with the largest coming in at 72
inches. Their markings and color are similar not only to the rattlesnake, but
the bull snake as well. The SRS differs from the Bull in a few ways:
- It is slightly smaller in length.
- SRS markings are consistent where the Bull blends to short stripes
- SRS head markings are more distinct compared to the Bull’s blurred stripe.
- Tail bands appear on the Bull instead of consistent circles on the SRS.
Both have the light-brown/cream color shared with the rattlesnake.
A curious trait I’ve found in the SRS is their climbing ability.
Yep that’s right. While you’re looking down, making sure you don’t step on any
of these snakes (or other creepy-crawlers), you may walk right by a SRS handing
out in a tree or on a gate or fence watching you. The video accompanying this
post shows an SRS marking its way across a gate, up some chain-link fencing and
onto a tree branch. Your feelings toward snakes in general will dictate your
reaction to these images.
Like
most non-venomous snakes the SRS are not aggressive. However, breeding season,
a batch of eggs, an annoying canine, or even a ferocious chicken will get their
ire up, leading to a painful bite. So if you meet any Southwestern Rat Snakes,
feel free to stop and appreciate them, maybe even voice your opinion, but leave
them be and they will reciprocate.
I've added a short video of one of our local SRSs traveling along a gate. Fascinating how these guys move.
