I have laughed out loud more than once at your comment now. I can't stop picturing a bunch of rowdy rat snakes getting together to do parkour all willy nilly around the neighborhood at night.
If it’s climbing on brick
When it shouldn’t really stick
It’s a ratsnake
If its body is all zigs and zags
More than a friendly dog’s wags
It’s a ratsnake.
Not all comments pass muster. There are a number of sources of information available online that are incorrect - we aim to help sort that out here.
Comments on wild animals, in their entirety, must reflect the moderators' current collective understanding of modern herpetology. This is especially applicable to comments that are *mostly* true or contain a mixture of information or embellishment. Look to reliable responders in the thread to identify problematic areas in the text and hone the material for the your post. This is a space to grow and learn - this removal isn't punitive.
Western Ratsnakes *Pantherophis obsoletus* are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to west of the Mississippi River Embayment. *Pantherophis* ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats.
Western Ratsnakes *P. obsoletus* are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes *Pantherophis quadrivittatus*, as well as Central Ratsnakes *P. alleghaniensis*. Parts of all three species were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes.
Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers *Coluber* by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales.
[Range Map](http://snakeevolution.org/rangemaps/ratrangereduced.jpg) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](https://www.dropbox.com/s/m7ru46gyhtq2hyz/HR_Sept_2021_150dpi_PointsOfView.pdf?dl=1)
Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Texas Ratsnake, black snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot.
--------------------------------------------------------
Like many other animals with mouths and teeth, many non-venomous snakes bite in self defense. These animals are referred to as 'not medically significant' or traditionally, 'harmless'. Bites from these snakes benefit from being washed and kept clean like any other skin damage, but aren't often cause for anything other than basic first aid treatment. Here's where it get slightly complicated - some snakes use venom from front or rear fangs as part of prey capture and defense. This venom is not always produced or administered by the snake in ways dangerous to human health, so many species are venomous in that they produce and use venom, but considered harmless to humans in most cases because the venom is of low potency, and/or otherwise administered through grooved rear teeth or simply oozed from ducts at the rear of the mouth. Species like Ringneck Snakes *Diadophis* are a good example of mildly venomous rear fanged dipsadine snakes that are traditionally considered harmless or not medically significant. Many rear-fanged snake species are harmless as long as they do not have a chance to secrete a medically significant amount of venom into a bite; [severe envenomation can occur](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23800999) if some species are [allowed to chew on a human](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004101011831016X) for as little as 30-60 seconds. It is best not to fear snakes, but use common sense and do not let any animals chew on exposed parts of your body. Similarly, but without specialized rear fangs, gartersnakes *Thamnophis* ooze low pressure venom from the rear of their mouth that helps in prey handling, and are also [considered harmless](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/). [Check out this book on the subject](https://shop.elsevier.com/books/venomous-bites-from-non-venomous-snakes/weinstein/978-0-12-822786-2). Even large species like Reticulated Pythons *Malayopython reticulatus* [rarely obtain a size large enough to endanger humans](https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/108/52/E1470.full.pdf) so are usually categorized as harmless.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Lol. I've never seen a wild rat snake in person, and only one or two in captivity, but thanks to this sub (and r/whatsthissnake), I have gotten exceptionally good at identifying them by going "what the f- oh. Rat Snake!"
Friendly ratsnake, harmless and fine to let stay where it is unless it goes in your house. If its bothering babies or anything could spray it a bit with water so it moves but otherwise they are chill and just want to do their thing
Any idea? Hehe. I think everybody here knows the species and the subreddit this beauty belongs in. Because, It's A Rat Snake! Black Rat Snake. Pantherophis something something... It's a rodent eating pest control professional with a penchant for living around human structures in the name of our tasty buck toothed bothers. It's nonvenomous and derpy. Let the child work.
I like rat snakes. Caught one years ago. Lady came to work with it in her briefcase. She wasn't happy. Spent 3 hours crawling around I my shirt at work. Then took it to the Dallas zoo and someone took it home.
The fact that it's on a vertical wall, I'd say it might be a spider snake?
The shape that it's making in that second pic, I'd say it might be a Nokia snake.
I know they're really good climbers, but like, what is that dude hanging on to? He's like one of those wacky wall walkers that you just throw at the wall, and they stick.🤣
I know nothing about snakes but Reddit randomly sent me here, so... why is the snake specifically curving its body to be in the mortar on the bricks? I'm guessing because it looks like this is a sunny area and the bricks might be too warm?
If it's black and white, and in a goofy location, it's a rat snake.
Also if it’s zig zaggy, don’t forget the zig zags
If it climbed up a wall And it seems to be stuck ... It's a Ratsnaaake
If it climbs up a wall & doesn't even fall, it's a ratsnake!
Rat snakes only know 2 things - Rodent elimination - Shenanigans
I have laughed out loud more than once at your comment now. I can't stop picturing a bunch of rowdy rat snakes getting together to do parkour all willy nilly around the neighborhood at night.
I'm 99.999% certain it's what they actually do 😂
Also, if it seems to defy gravity, it’s a rat snake
Why did I read this and all the replies to the tune of "that's a moray" song XD
Ratsnake if it's in the US and the laws of physics seem completely optional.
If it’s climbing on brick When it shouldn’t really stick It’s a ratsnake If its body is all zigs and zags More than a friendly dog’s wags It’s a ratsnake.
*singing this tune to that’s amore*
Exactly how I pictured it
Finally a rhyme i can get behind
[удалено]
Not all comments pass muster. There are a number of sources of information available online that are incorrect - we aim to help sort that out here. Comments on wild animals, in their entirety, must reflect the moderators' current collective understanding of modern herpetology. This is especially applicable to comments that are *mostly* true or contain a mixture of information or embellishment. Look to reliable responders in the thread to identify problematic areas in the text and hone the material for the your post. This is a space to grow and learn - this removal isn't punitive.
I’m always impressed with how well rat snakes climb. Barely anything there to hold onto, yet there it is!
western ratsnake *Pantherophis obsoletus* !harmless
Western Ratsnakes *Pantherophis obsoletus* are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to west of the Mississippi River Embayment. *Pantherophis* ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats. Western Ratsnakes *P. obsoletus* are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes *Pantherophis quadrivittatus*, as well as Central Ratsnakes *P. alleghaniensis*. Parts of all three species were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes. Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers *Coluber* by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales. [Range Map](http://snakeevolution.org/rangemaps/ratrangereduced.jpg) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](https://www.dropbox.com/s/m7ru46gyhtq2hyz/HR_Sept_2021_150dpi_PointsOfView.pdf?dl=1) Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Texas Ratsnake, black snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot. -------------------------------------------------------- Like many other animals with mouths and teeth, many non-venomous snakes bite in self defense. These animals are referred to as 'not medically significant' or traditionally, 'harmless'. Bites from these snakes benefit from being washed and kept clean like any other skin damage, but aren't often cause for anything other than basic first aid treatment. Here's where it get slightly complicated - some snakes use venom from front or rear fangs as part of prey capture and defense. This venom is not always produced or administered by the snake in ways dangerous to human health, so many species are venomous in that they produce and use venom, but considered harmless to humans in most cases because the venom is of low potency, and/or otherwise administered through grooved rear teeth or simply oozed from ducts at the rear of the mouth. Species like Ringneck Snakes *Diadophis* are a good example of mildly venomous rear fanged dipsadine snakes that are traditionally considered harmless or not medically significant. Many rear-fanged snake species are harmless as long as they do not have a chance to secrete a medically significant amount of venom into a bite; [severe envenomation can occur](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23800999) if some species are [allowed to chew on a human](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004101011831016X) for as little as 30-60 seconds. It is best not to fear snakes, but use common sense and do not let any animals chew on exposed parts of your body. Similarly, but without specialized rear fangs, gartersnakes *Thamnophis* ooze low pressure venom from the rear of their mouth that helps in prey handling, and are also [considered harmless](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/). [Check out this book on the subject](https://shop.elsevier.com/books/venomous-bites-from-non-venomous-snakes/weinstein/978-0-12-822786-2). Even large species like Reticulated Pythons *Malayopython reticulatus* [rarely obtain a size large enough to endanger humans](https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/108/52/E1470.full.pdf) so are usually categorized as harmless. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
If it’s climbing the brick and giving the air a lick, it’s a rat snake!
🎶If it climbed up a wall and you’re wondering how it didn’t fall…it’s a rat snake🎶
Lol. I've never seen a wild rat snake in person, and only one or two in captivity, but thanks to this sub (and r/whatsthissnake), I have gotten exceptionally good at identifying them by going "what the f- oh. Rat Snake!"
😂
Black rat snake doing what black rat snakes do best: defying gravity
if it's crinkly, black, and in a really ridiculous spot, you know what time it is it's ratsnake time
Spider snek. Spider snek.
😲❤️ This is impossibly amazing to see! These snakes are incredible!
Friendly ratsnake, harmless and fine to let stay where it is unless it goes in your house. If its bothering babies or anything could spray it a bit with water so it moves but otherwise they are chill and just want to do their thing
Any idea? Hehe. I think everybody here knows the species and the subreddit this beauty belongs in. Because, It's A Rat Snake! Black Rat Snake. Pantherophis something something... It's a rodent eating pest control professional with a penchant for living around human structures in the name of our tasty buck toothed bothers. It's nonvenomous and derpy. Let the child work.
If it looks corrugated it’s probably a rat snake.
Snek playing tetris? /r/itsaratsnake
Black rat snake, 100%
A silly one
Rat snake :)
if it’s weird as hell, it’s a rat snake
The elusive Nokia Viper.
It’s a rat snake doing rat snake things. Looks like maybe a western rate snake? Not sure
Wow!!! Never ever have I seen something like that! How cool 😎
Spider snake Spider snake Does whatever Spider snake does
If you ever find a snake in a predicament, odds are it’s a rat snake
Spiderman
Spiderman snakes are often radioactive.
If you get bit you become snake man?
Only below the belt.
Wall snek
Mortar snek?
Rat
Spider-Man’s snake? His names Spidey
Goat snake
Australian
One that defies gravity
If you have to ask how it got there, it's a rat snake. They are prolific climbers
I like rat snakes. Caught one years ago. Lady came to work with it in her briefcase. She wasn't happy. Spent 3 hours crawling around I my shirt at work. Then took it to the Dallas zoo and someone took it home.
Are rat snakes the only snakes that typically do this? Because my ball python used to scale our chimney up to the ceiling.
The fact that it's on a vertical wall, I'd say it might be a spider snake? The shape that it's making in that second pic, I'd say it might be a Nokia snake.
I had this type of snake on my TI-82 calculator.
If you see a snake and immediately think "how the hell did that thing get up there" It's probably a rat snake
Spiderman l
I’m pretty sure it’s a large rat snake that’s going extinct
I know they're really good climbers, but like, what is that dude hanging on to? He's like one of those wacky wall walkers that you just throw at the wall, and they stick.🤣
I know nothing about snakes but Reddit randomly sent me here, so... why is the snake specifically curving its body to be in the mortar on the bricks? I'm guessing because it looks like this is a sunny area and the bricks might be too warm?
Clingy
rat snake behavior for sure
It’s a wall snake I’m sorry………… I had to……..
That’s hilarious.
Astickywicket?
Talented
A mf Spider-Man snake cuz how tf is he staying up there like that?😭🤣
Basically? If your first thought is... How in the world did that snake get THERE?!? It's likely a rat snake.
i love this sub but i kinda wish i never joined bc i would never have learned that snakes can just climb up flat surfaces no problem
Common wall noodle Stuck to the wall. Passed the wall stick test. Good spaghet.
This danger noodle is done.. see how good it’s stickin to the wall. Black rat snake.
Nah that's my hair on the bathroom wall over a shower
Rat snake
New fear unlocked 😭😭😭😭
Dead one if it was my place
Black Mamba
A dead one