Start with Part 1 of Snakes in the Garden.
The North Carolina piedmont is home to three large constrictors that are mostly black in color: the eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus), black racer (Coluber constrictor), and black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus). Although kingsnakes are found in our area, I have not been lucky enough to find one in my garden. Racers and rat snakes, however, are common and–at four to six feet long–difficult to miss.
Black racers and black rat snakes are both colloquially referred to as “black snakes.” The two species are roughly the same size and at first glance can be difficult to tell apart. As a rule of thumb, if a black snake lifts its head to watch you and then slides rapidly away, it’s probably a racer. If it freezes, perhaps coiling back in a defensive position, and then moves away slowly and methodically, it’s probably a rat snake.
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)
More than any other snake, black racers give an impression of alert intelligence. They actively prowl our flower beds, examining vole holes, flower pots, and other possible cover for prey. They’re quite difficult to photograph, because they disappear so rapidly when they realize they have been spotted.
From time to time, I uncover clutches of racer eggs hidden in mulch piles or rotten stumps. Usually they have already hatched, and each leathery eggshell has a small slit where the hatchling cut its way free with its egg tooth. A few years ago, I accidentally uncovered an intact clutch. As it was now exposed to the elements and predators, I decided to collect the eggs and incubate them in an old fish tank. The eggs hatched at the end of July, and the hatchlings were immediately ready to defend themselves by striking vigorously. They also vibrated their tails, producing a buzzing sound that was surprisingly similar to a rattlesnake’s warning.
After taking the hatchlings to school for “show and tell,” we released them in the garden, hoping that they would grow up to defend it against rodent pests.
Black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
Like racers, juvenile rat snakes are patterned with saddle-like blotches, and they darken with age. However, many adults retain traces of this juvenile pattern and never become solid black.
Rat snakes are excellent climbers and frequently raid nests for eggs and nestlings. Our neighbors who keep hens sometimes lose eggs, despite their best attempts at snake-proofing the chicken coop. To protect our bluebird nest boxes, we have mounted metal baffles on the posts.
Despite their predilection for raiding bird nests, I like having rat snakes around the garden. They help to control rodent populations, and it is always exciting to see such a large and exotic animal going about its business,apparently undisturbed by our presence.
I started reading this post thinking that resident cat would be grateful that we didn’t live “over there” – he’s not backward in coming forward and I’ve often worried about the possibility of him getting a snake bite. But he seems sensible and knows when to keep his distance. And as I read on, I get the impression that the snakes may upset your cats but don’t pose a threat. Which increases my jealousy at your diversity of wildlife. Why do people think of snakes as cold and slimey? They’re actually warm and cuddly. I was given a lesson on how to handle a Boa (you mainly keep it away from your neck!) a few years ago and only reluctantly gave it back to its owner. The boa (snake) was probably more friendly than the boa (bank)! 🙂
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The cats viewed the big rat snake in the last picture through a glass door and were visibly freaked out, but I don’t think they have ever encountered a snake during their supervised excursions outside. Rat snakes can eat squirrels and small rabbits, but I think a well fed moggy would be too much.
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