Are black rat snakes protected?

Are black rat snakes protected?

Conservation Status: Rat snakes are very common in the Southeast and are not protected throughout most of it.

Are black snakes endangered?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the black pinesnake as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The determination for this large, non- venomous snake was made using the best scientific information available to assess its status and threats.

Are black snakes protected?

JACKSON, Miss. — In accordance with an agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity that speeds protection decisions for 757 species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected black pine snakes as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Where do black snakes nest?

NESTING: Mating generally takes place in the spring, with 10-14 eggs laid in June or July. Eggs deposited beneath rocks or in manure piles, rotting vegetation, stumps or logs generally hatch in August and September.

How do I get rid of rat snakes?

Take a broom or rake and sweep the snake into a large bucket, preferably one more than 5 gallons large. Take the rat snake outside and release, then seal up the den. Eliminate all food sources for rat snakes to prevent them from returning. Clean up food spills, get rid of tall grass, leaf piles and stone piles.

How big does a black rat snake get?

Eastern rat snakes, formerly known as black rat snakes, are large non-venomous snakes between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long.

Is a black rat snake the same as a black snake?

People are familiar with them, know them to be non-venomous, and refer to both of them as “black snakes.” However, because they look rather similar, some people may not know there are two different species of these black colored snakes. The former species is the black rat snake, the latter is the black racer.

Do black rat snakes have any predators?

Black rat snakes are most vulnerable to predators when they are young and on the smaller side. Foxes, raccoons, owls, and hawks commonly eat them. Adult black rat snakes have few known predators other than humans. When frightened, a black rat snake will freeze.

Where do black rat snakes live in the US?

Eastern rat snake/black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta or Pantherophis alleghaniensis) The largest species of rat snakes, this snake lives throughout New England and south to Georgia. They are found as far west as Northern Louisiana and as far north as Southern Wisconsin.

Do eastern rat snakes attack when threatened?

However, these snakes are often mistreated by humans who are frightened of them. Although eastern rat snakes do not usually attack when threatened, there have been extreme cases of eastern rat snakes charging at predators.

How big do eastern rat snakes get?

Eastern rat snakes, formerly known as black rat snakes, are large non-venomous snakes between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white.