Birthday Rat Snake

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9

Black Ratsnake Pantherophis obsoletus coiled to strike with mouth open. Walton County, Georgia.

Wednesday - Black Ratsnake captured inside a Walton County, Georgia house and photographed before release. A wonderful birthday present for me! 

Black Ratsnake climbing tree. Walton County, Georgia.

Update 1/27/19 - I was recently corrected that I had used antiquated naming in this blog for Pantherophis alleghaniensis, the scientific name for this common eastern colubrid shown above. In my early days of “herping”, we referred to them as Black Ratsnakes. And who would argue? This was a fitting name for a long, black snake that eats rats and mice! But now the correct common name is “Eastern Rat Snake”.  
 
However, there are still some that refer to them as the even blander name of “black snake”. Although an accurate description, I suppose it leaves the identification open to confusion with Black Racers or Indigo Snakes. So I understand the desire for more clarity in a common name.

Black Rat Snake slithering in grass. Walton County, Georgia.

Prior to my days, the now-called Eastern Rat Snake was known by locals as a “Pilot Snake”. Apparently, “old timers referred to them as Pilot Snakes in the mistaken belief that this snake pilots, or guides the venomous rattlesnake to safe denning areas in the forest.”
 
Another common name I’ve heard by a few southerners is the “Chicken Snake”. Although this is no longer the name by which they are called, it was, again, quite appropriate. Not only does the Eastern Rat Snake like to eat rats, but it has a propensity for birds’ eggs as well. They will often climb trees and invaded nests. Eastern Rat Snakes are also sometimes found raiding the chicken coop. I once knew an older country lady who would place golf balls in her henhouse. She claimed, and reportedly to good effect, that the Rat Snakes would swallow the golf balls, become impacted in their intestines and die, thus ending the egg-snatching careers.
 
Because of all of the changing of common names, and the many regional names for different animals, it is often better to refer to them by their Latinized scientific name. Or is it? It seems that too is subject to change! In my college wildlife classes, we learned the Rat Snake as Elaphe obsoleta. But I recently had to stand corrected and relearn its current scientific moniker of Pantherophis alleghaniensis. I have no idea why, but I’m sure it means something! So, what’s in a name anyway?

I recently found and excellent article covering this issue called The Ratsnake Mess for Dummies by Mike Van Valen

Black Rat Snake coiled to strike. Walton County, Georgia.