Texas Rat Snake

Introduction to Texas Rat Snakes

Belonging to the Colubridae family, the Texas Rat Snake is indigenous to the United States of America. By the name, you can very well understand that it is common in Texas, but it can still be found in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Today, we are going to tell you every bit about the Elaphe Obsoleta Lindheimeri.

The Appearance And Size Of Texas Rat Snake

The Texas rat snake is the largest species in the whole of North America. It can be found from the eastern parts of the United States to all the way up to southern Canada. The Texas rat snake belongs to a vast family comprising of several other kinds of rat snakes. It grows from medium to large in size and is of 106.7cm to 183cm. The Texas rat snake has a diameter of 1.5 inches and has a body that is covered with keeled scales. This snake is known for its slender body and a head that is shaped like a wedge.

They come in a variety of patterns and colors and differ from one another because of their wide range. However, most of them are tan or yellow in color and has a combination of olive green and brown blotches on its entire body. The Texas Rat Snake tend to be more on the yellowish side, but the ones that are present in the Northern part are way darker. If you really want to differentiate between a Texas rat snake and other rat snakes then watch out for their heads. A Texas rat snake is known for its solid-colored grey head along with the orange and red speckling. The lower part of the Texas rat snake is of solid gray color, but it can also be white. One can even find a dark-colored rat snake with white spots.

Behavior

No matter what you think about snakes, the Texas rat snake is really shy and doesn’t like to be confronted. However, if you confront a Texas rat snake, they stop moving and remain frozen to the spot. When the adult snakes sense danger, they coil themselves and start vibrating their tails. This produces a rattle like sound. However, if they are continuously provoked, they will attack.

The Texas rat snake is known for the kind of foul smell it produces. This is what the predator has to go through when they are attacked. Once the snake produces a musk of foul smell, it spreads that scent around with its tail. This musk tries to push away the predators that attack it. The Texas rat snake is extremely snappy.

Habitat

The Texas rat snake can live in different kinds of habitats. Their habitat differs from woods to bayou, swampy areas, rocky canyons, and stream valleys.

What does a Texas rat snake Eat?

As the name suggests, they consume rodents, which doesn’t mean they don’t eat other things. They feed themselves on baby mice, small lizards, and frogs. This is mostly applicable for the young Texas rat snakes. The adult rat snakes eat rats, mice, moles, chipmunks, and other kinds of rodents. An adult rat snake loves to eat bird eggs and young birds.

How does a Texas rat snake Reproduce?

Like every other snake, a Texas rat snake reproduces by laying eggs. They get from their hibernation somewhere between the months of March and May. It is then that they seek their mates. The females pass through the areas where the male Texas rat snake can be found. Using their pheromones, they start the mating process. The male snake approaches the female and wraps its tail around it, while their vents touch each other. This mating session can last for hours and can also end after a few minutes. The female lays 15 – 20 eggs after five months of their mating session.

How Dangerous are the Texas rat snakes?

A rat snake never bites humans; they are basically harmless. They are quite beneficial to a farmer by keeping the rodent population under control. Never be fooled by their medium to large size. However, if you provoke them, they tend to lose their temper and produce a foul smell. It only feeds itself on rodents and doesn’t cause any harm to humans.

Pictures

Here are few more Photos, Pictures of Texas rat snake:

How to get rid of Texas rat snakes?

It doesn’t really matter if they are harmless, a snake is a snake, and you need to keep it away from your house. You have to make sure that your home is protected from the unwelcomed Texas rat snake. Now, that you know what this snake loves to eat, make sure there are no rodents in the house.

It is very important for you to identify the kind of snake that you are dealing with. Some snakes look different when they are young. If you are unsure about the type of snake, call the experts as soon as possible and move as far as possible from the snake. You should always keep your garden maintained and pruned. This will prevent the entry of Texas rat snake. Remove piles of lumber, rock, debris, and tall vegetation. When you keep your garden clean, the Texas rat snake will not find it habitable and hence it will stay far away from it. Close every small space and cracks. This will prevent rodents from entering which in turn will prevent the Texas rat snake from entering.

Snakes have the power to pass through every small opening, and it is time you get it all closed. If you have come across a Texas rat snake in your property once, there are high chances more will follow. Do a thorough inspection of the place to make sure they are away.

Cracks present in the foundation, crawlspace without vents, gaps, baseless window frames, utility lines, and improper maintenance of plumbing. All of these are perfect ways for a Texas rat snake to enter your property.

How to Prevent Texas Rat Snakes from Entering Your Home

Here are a few ways that can prevent their entry in your homes.

• Replace or repair the ventilation screen that has been damaged.
• The crawl space should have a tight cover.
• Every opening should be sealed.
• Every possible window that can be opened is tightly shut.
• Put an arrester on the chimney.
• Proper maintenance of the attic air vents and roofs are necessary.
• Every exterior door is weatherproofed from the bottom and has a tight-fitting.
• Take care of the garage doors and seal every gap.
• Never leave the food for your pets outside your home.
• Standing water is dangerous.

If you are positive that it is a Texas rat snake, then try to do this. Place a large trash can beside the snake and slowly push it towards the can with a broom. Place the lid on the trashcan. Move this can far away from your home with a lot of caution. If you can’t handle the snake, it is better that you call a professional.

Interesting Facts

1. The Texas rat snakes love for chickens has earned it the name “chicken snake.” It has a fondness for eggs as well as chickens.
2. The Texas rat snake belongs in the same family as the rat snake. It varies in color and can be found in Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
3. The trinomial name of the snake is Elaphe Obsoleta Lindheimeri. This name was used after the American – German naturalist Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimeri. He collected the first species in New Braunfels, which is in Texas. This is how it derived its name.
4. A few snakes have leucism.
5. They vary in color, but they all have a similar gray head.
6. They can live in urban areas, grasslands, forests, swamps, woods, and so on.
7. The Texas rat snake occurs in areas that have the presence of oakwood and rodents. It is attracted by both.
8. The snake has quite an enormous appetite. It can eat birds, rodents, frogs, and lizards.
9. Texas rat snakes are excellent climbers which makes it easier for them to consume birds and their eggs.
10. They can live for as long as 15 years. The female Texas rat snake doesn’t live as long as the male Texas rat snake.
11. Within a matter of two years or maybe less, they reach sexual maturity and mate. They start mating after their hibernation.
12. Apart from being an excellent climber, they are also great swimmers.
13. They are harmless in nature, but if they are continuously provoked, they release a foul-smelling musk.
14. A Texas rat snake can be kept as a pet. They are nonvenomous, harmless, and keep rodents away.
15. Many people keep them in aquariums and other cages. However, one should always take proper care of them if they are keeping it as a pet.

This is all that is there about a Texas rat snake.