Corn snakes have black-bordered red or dark orange blotches that run down the middle of the back, on a reddish orange or brownish orange background color. The Red Cornsnake is a medium-sized to rather large snake attaining a maximum length of about 72 inches. Within the genus Pantherophis, which includes ratsnakes, corn snakes, and fox snakes, the gray ratsnake is one of ten species.. Distribution 7 Global Range: West of the Apalachicola River and the Appalachian Mountains … These snakes have keeled scales. The dorsal (top) surface of these snakes typically is gray to tan in color with black bordered dark gray or brownish blotches (red in juveniles) down the back with similar smaller blotches on sides of the body. Video of climbing ratsnake - al.com As their name implies, they mainly eat rats. (Photo/Glenn Bartolotti). (Wikimedia). These pits are heat seeking sensors that help the snake locate warm-blooded prey. (Photo/Jarek Tuszynski). The venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake attacks blood, tissue, and the nervous system. I believe it was technically a western rat snake. It has a slate blue to gray-black body. In a successful hunting event, the venom is pumped through the fangs into the prey to kill and digest the animal. Beware snakes in trees! Salt marsh snakes feed on small crabs and fish. The species is quite adaptable and can thrive in diverse environments. The belly is yellowish and marked with four brown stripes. I once eliminated a 6-foot, 4-inch “black snake” at my back door. Hoover Rat Removal is a very common pest problem and a common complaint received in the areas of Hoover Alabama. Many people mistake them for a venomous species because of their broad head. The garter snake's coloration varies greatly across its geographic range. It is commonly dark brown in color with lighter broad bands throughout the length of the body. here is some question as to whether the species can be found in Alabama. However, the light spots periodically align across the back of most individuals from Alabama to create thin cross bands at regular intervals down the back. They often can be seen sunning on logs or overhanging branches from which they drop into the water when alarmed. Its vibrant colors of red black and yellow make it one of the most beautiful snakes found in Alabama. They are called "hognose" because of their upturned snout and broad head. The gray ratsnake or gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides), also commonly known as the central ratsnake, chicken snake, midland ratsnake, or pilot black snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the genus Pantherophis in the subfamily Colubrinae. Rat snakes are found from Florida north to New England, and east through Texas and Nebraska. These snakes are non-venomous, however, so their bite is relatively harmless. Worm snakes are small secretive snakes only reaching 13 inches in length. The eastern ribbon snake is a small nonvenomous snake that gets its name from its very thin body. Belly has black square blotches infused peripherally between the red, ventral scales. Cottonmouth are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. So, it is not surprising that roof rats are now often found in Southern Alabama and around the port cities. Rough green snakes are a uniform bright green color with an ivory or off white belly and a pale white throat. Their head and neck are typically black with the body gradually lightening to a tan colored tail. Usually inhabits more wooded areas than the rough earth snake to which it is similar in appearance. The gray ratsnake is one of about ten species within the American ratsnake genus Pantherophis (Photo/John Sullivan). Intergrades east of Mobile Bay with Florida pine snake. They seek shelter in rock outcrops and under logs. The slide show has a photo of each snake that calls Alabama home. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Adult timber rattlesnakes average 36 to 60 inches in total length and are venomous snakes. Snakes can be removed from in houses, basements, garages, and all other places a snake may invade a home or business. The Northern Pine snake has a moderately stout body. A large snake of dry, periodically burned open pine or mixed pine-scrub oak forest with abundant groundcover vegetation. (Photo/Richard Dowling). The belly is plain white or cream-colored. The patterning is relatively non-descript and the snake generally appears to be a uniform dark or dull green with the color becoming lighter on the snake's sides. Mole kingsnakes are unlikely to reach lengths greater than 4.5 feet. (Photo/ Glenn Bartolotti). They prefer aquatic areas with heavy vegetation, like beaver ponds with swampy margins. Snake Control Experts are trained to catch both venomous and nonvenomous snakes. The Brown Snake is common essentially statewide, but lack of records from much of southeastern Coastal Plain may reflect actual scarcity or absence there. Timber rattlesnakes eat small mammals such as mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and occasionally frogs and birds. There are multiple members of the ratsnake family in Alabama, including the gorgeous orange and red cornsnake, and the black ratsnake, but mostly I encounter the gray version. Many of these snakes live in urban or neighborhood settings in the city of Huntsville. Status: Lowest conservation concern. In fact eleven different subspecies inhabit almost every state in the lower 48 states. Rough green snakes are particularly abundant along the edges of ponds or streams where they can be found in the overhanging branches of trees and shrubs. The Eastern Indigo Snake is a large, stout bodied, non-poisonous snake the can reach seven feet in length. https://www.al.com/outdoors/2016/04/50_snakes_that_call_alabama_ho.html The coloration of the belly is often in stark contrast with the rest of the snake. At maturity adults can range from 16-28 inches long. Rough earth snakes primarily feed on earthworms, slugs, snails, other invertebrates, and small frogs. Two men at work Monday spotted two snakes that originally some thought was a python. The North Florida Swampsnake is a small aquatic snake with a shiny, black back and red belly. Timber rattlesnakes inhabit hardwood forest with rocky outcrops, pine flatwoods, bottomland hardwood forests, and cane thickets. They get this name because of a pit, or tiny hole, located between the eye and nostril. How would you react if you saw an 8-foot snake hanging right above your head? (Photo/Glenn Bartolotti). Mississippi green water snakes are medium sized snakes, 30-45 inches in length, and no distinctive field marks. I followed this snake up into the trees via a couple of handy ladders until we were 20 feet off the ground. Found in dry, upland habitats. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The belly is generally yellowish to white. It has no distinct markings. Listed below is a guide to help you identify snakes by predominant color. While waiting for prey, they will remain in a coiled position, sometimes for up to three weeks. Midland Water Snakes are ommon statewide, except southernmost portions of Coastal Plain, where apparently confined to immediate vicinity of Conecuh, Yellow, and Choctawhatchee Rivers. 2. Summary 6 The gray ratsnake or gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides), also known as the central ratsnake, is a member of the genus Pantherophis in the subfamily Colubrinae. The lateral stripes are separated from the belly by a golden, brown or yellowish orange mid-dorsal stripe. A conspicuous inhabitant of ponds, lakes, and streams, and the most frequently encountered water snake in the northern two-thirds of Alabama. The black kingsnake, like all kingsnakes, will frequently rattle their tail, release musk, and bite upon capture. The corn snake, (Pantherophis guttatus guttatus) lives in the southeastern United States, and is distinguished by having brownish-red skin with orange/red saddles, the saddles having black borders, and usually a black and white underbelly. The red milk snake is a medium sized snake that may reach a length close to 40 inches. Black rat snake. Although not considered aggressive, species does possess the most toxic venom of any North American snake; thus, potentially very hazardous to humans and should never be handled. They are terrestrial burrowers, typically found under rocks, rotten logs, leaf litter, or debris such as roofing tin, boards, or trash. It is black with traces of yellow or white spots, or bands above and has a white throat. Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer. Turns out experts with the Alabama Herpetological Society say it was a “harmless grey ratsnake." (Wikimedia). (Photo/Tom VanderVelde). The belly is white with large rectangular markings arranged irregularly or in a checkerboard fashion. Montgomery Rat Removal. (Photo/Nick Scobel). Mud snakes are large aquatic snakes that attain lengths up to 80 inches, but generally are 40 to 65 inches in length. (Wikimedia). The color of this snake is highly variable, its back could be gray, brown and less commonly black and the head may be a different color altogether. A medium-sized, slender snake with a short, blunt head only slightly wider than neck. All rights reserved (About Us). Highly aquatic, glossy crayfish snakes can be observed in many different wetland types but may be most often encountered in areas with a high density of aquatic vegetation and mucky substrates. Variations in color are noticeable in gray rat snakes with individuals in south Alabama being much lighter than those found elsewhere in the state. Many snakes vary greatly … Plain black coloration with a lighter underside. It has no distinct markings. Black racers are, as the name implies, solid deep black in color on their upper side. Usually brown in color but can vary from gray to olive green, with three dark stripes which are faint running along the upper body and yellow or golden stripe along the lower sides of the body. Mississippi green water snakes prefer calm waters such as lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, or bayous. They can be found in northern New York down through Georgia, and west across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. You can reach him via email at braines@al.com. The underside of their tail is usually a lighter color than the rest of their belly. Black rat snake is a non-venomous, medium-sized, yet powerful constrictor endemic to central North America. Coachwhip's bellies are of the same color as their backs, but sometimes have two rows of black dots running lengthwise of the body. The longest one on record was almost 70 inches long. The black racer is a relatively long and slender snake. Peripheral and rare in southern Coastal Plain and southern Pine Plains and Hills of southwestern Alabama where known from only a few localities in Mobile, Washington, and Baldwin Counties. The Western Earth Snake is a small, slightly stout, plain-colored snake with a conical head. Plain-bellied water snakes are relatively large, thick bodied, harmless, semi-aquatic snakes. A timber rattlesnake is one of the most venomous snakes of Alabama. This snake often has squared reddish belly spots and is sometimes confused with the cottonmouth - which in contrast, has no reddish belly spots. The scarlet kingsnake is a non venomous small snake rarely reaching lengths of more than two feet. The Midland Snake is a heavy bodied aquatic snake which can be commonly confused with the venomous Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin. The large and distinctive head is marked with a dark band extending obliquely from each eye to the lips. In the video, you will see a branch break as he slithered onto it. Coachwhips are slender bodied snakes relative to their length. The Great Plains rat snake or Emory's rat snake (Pantherophis guttatus emoryi) is found in the United States from Nebraska to Colorado, and into north… They are excellent at climbing, and can even use mortar lines in between bricks to scale up the side of a home, often reaching sizes of 40″-70″ in … A relatively small aquatic snake with a slender body measuring 15-24 inches long. Also known as a Water Moccasin, these snakes will vibrate their tails when excited. Both the yellow and red rings are surrounded by black rings so the red and yellow rings never touch. There are two subspecies of Pantherophis guttatus: 1. (Photo/John D. Wilson). The average size of an adult snake is 14 to 20 inches. The coloration of this species varies from blackish to yellowish to pinkish, or grayish with dark, bent crossbands aligned along the dorsal length of its body. They are thick bodied snakes that may reach 46 inches in length, but usually are 20-30 inches long. Gulf salt marsh snakes inhabit coastal salt marshes and brackish estuaries. Most snakes encountered here are rat snakes, which are very common and aren’t venomous, but the state’s six venomous snakes may also be encountered.” Secor said the state’s six venomous snakes are copperheads, coral snakes, water moccasins/cottonmouths, pigmy rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Also known as: Water moccasin. They will also feed on small salamanders, slugs, snails and insect larvae. (Wikimedia). The dorsal surface of the snake is characterized by black-bordered red saddles with alternating smaller blotches of the same color located laterally. (Wikimedia). Although it has been documented in the Perdido River, Alabama's boundary with Florida, specimens within Alabama proper have been identified as the very similar Western Green Watersnake. Tis snake prefers pen areas with early vegetation, especially habitats subjected to occasional fire, preferred as are dry, forested, or partially forested areas where soil is fairly sandy or loose and gravelly. (Photo/Patrick Coin). Photo about A Gray Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta) at Monte Sano State Park in northern Alabama. Plain-bellied water snakes can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, but are most common in larger, more permanent bodies of water such as rivers, swamps, marshes, and ponds. One of Alabama's most common snakes north of Buhrstone/Lime Hills. It is a heavy-bodied snake that can reach lengths close to seven feet, although the average adult is four to five feet. They will, however, bite hard and repeatedly when cornered or captured. They sometimes take to the water in pursuit of prey. Eastern garter snakes are small to medium sized. Belly immaculate white, but darker dorsal blotches may color the sides of the ventral scales. The head of an eastern rat snake is … Found in wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands, around springs, woodlots, barnyards and abandoned houses. Copperheads have elliptical pupils. The Black Pine Snake is rare and possibly endangered in southern Pine Plains and Hills region west of Mobile Bay. The gray ratsnake, gray rat snake or chicken snake (Pantherophis spiloides, formerly Elaphis spiloides) is a common large snake native to the Eastern United States and southeastern Canada.They are non-venomous and considered beneficial as they prey on rodent pests. The Glossy Crayfish Snake is a small and slender snake. Two bold, longitudinal rows of black spots separate a rose-colored band from two lateral lemon-colored bands on belly. Their color varies, sometimes reddish brown, brown, or gray, and may be any shade between. MONTGOMERY-The names “chicken snake” or simply “rat snake” are fitting titles for one of Alabama’s more common large snakes, the gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides).Rat snakes are proficient predators of rodents but at times are unwelcomed visitors to chicken coops consuming eggs or fowl. The head is black with a light collar. Timber rattlesnakes are heavy-bodied snakes with a broad head that is distinct from its narrow neck. (wikimedia). It can be also found near the farms and in the urban areas. Alabama has an abundance of snakes, from venomous pit vipers like copperheads or rattlers, to harmless snakes like rat snakes and garter snakes. The Copperhead has a head that is noticeably wider than the neck. On many specimens a reddish dorsal stripe runs between the crossbands. Scales shiny and smooth; lower scale rows with a faint, longitudinal line, giving the appearance of keeled scales. The maximum recorded length is 24 inches. Mole kingsnakes have dark brown or reddish, saddle-like blotches along their back; along its side are additional blotches that alternate in spacing with the dorsal pattern. Common in a variety of habitats, and feeds on rodents and birds. Thus, the common nicknames "horned snake" and "stinging snake." The western rat snake has one of the largest distributions of all common rat snakes. (Photo/Mark Bailey). But rat snake coils are sloppier, looking a little more like scaly pretzels knotted around their prey. Scarlet snakes are found in forested habitats having dry sandy soils. Three prominent, red, longitudinal stripes contrast against a black to bluish back. (Photo/Dagmar Thurmond). The body may be colored from a light brown to tan or pinkish in the southern copperhead. Their scales are keeled and there are 25-33 dorsal scale rows at midbody. Range in Alabama: Common throughout the state. Roof Rat: Hundreds of years ago, the roof rat was introduced into the United States by hitchhiking on ships coming from other countries where they were common. Easily distinguished by smooth, polished, black to dark brown scales on back and sides brightly overlaid with a series of 23 to 52 narrow, cream, or yellow transverse bands. Hoover Rat Removal. The Rainbow Snake is one of the most beautiful snakes in Alabama. Once he was up in the canopy, the snake moved from limb to limb and even tree to tree as easily as if he was slithering along the ground. Its base color is typically light brown, though pink or yellowish hues may be present. Adult garter snakes are usually between 18-26 inches long, but may reach 36 inches in length. I once eliminated a 6-foot-4-inch “black snake” at my back door. It has a narrow yellow or cream-colored ring around the neck from whence it gets its name. The gray rat snake has a gray background color with brown to dark gray blotches. The venter (belly) has rectangular black markings that often are arranged in a checkerboard fashion. My wife, Shannon, a little alarmed by all the ratsnake skins found in our barn. Snake Control Experts are trained to catch both venomous and nonvenomous snakes. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Fun… They also have a prominent sharp tip on the tail which is probably used for digging. Because of its secretive nature and moving mainly at night, they are rarely encountered. The tail of the Ribbon snake accounts for about one third of total body length. It can grow to 90 inches. (Wikimedia). Dorsal color pattern of alternating dark rusty brown and cream-colored blotches often indistinct anteriorly, becoming distinct posteriorly; each scale trimmed in dark brown pigment. Their red bands are wider than are their black and yellow bands. (Wikimedia). No wonder then that some of the key items on the ratsnake diet are birds, bird eggs, and small mammals like squirrels. Gray rat snake is a species of non-venomous snake that belongs to the colubrid family. New-born garter snakes are typically between 5-9 inches long. Color patterns on the body consist of a row of large squarish, dark blotches down the back alternating with smaller blotches on the sides. Top of head and snout black and occiput has a broad yellow band. Pit vipers have a set of well developed fangs capable of injecting venom. Females are generally larger than males. Their scales are keeled and the anal scale is divided. They inhabit uplands and wetlands as well as many habitat types in between. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). Mole kingsnakes likely feed on a wide variety of small mammals, lizards, and other similar-sized prey. A light colored Y or V-shaped patch is present on the nape of the neck or the back of the head. Upper jaw has a pair of immovable, grooved, erect fangs near front. Rough earth snakes are found in a variety of forested habitats having abundant ground cover. Ben Raines specializes in investigations and natural wonders. These include the eastern indigo snake, southern hognose snake and the mimic glass lizard. The climbing abilities of ratsnakes are well documented, but there is a world of difference in knowing a snake can climb a tree and seeing how it actually accomplishes such a task with no hands, feet, arms or legs. Montgomery Rat Removal is a very common pest problem and a common complaint received in the areas of Montgomery Alabama. They have large heads with strong jaws. (Wikimedia). Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. A large number of snakes, both venomous species, and non-venomous species call Alabama their home. The scales of the mud snake are smooth, with a glossy black color on the dorsal and a bright red or pink and black checkerboard pattern on the ventral. Here’s another ratsnake video I made a couple of years ago, if you haven’t quite fulfilled your snake fix. They are greenish-brown to brown in color with dark blotches down their backs. The color is gray to light brown or reddish brown. This snake inhabits open woodlands and patches of savanna or rocky terrain in the midst of forested country. They are generally dark above - olive, brown, or black. You can follow him via Facebook, Twitter at BenHRaines, and on Instagram. Their bellies vary from dark gray to black, and some white frequently occurs on the chin and throat. In the video above, you can watch such with your own eyes as a ratsnake I surprised in my field made his arboreal escape. The most distinguishing feature is its sharply upturned and pointed snout. The Eastern Wood Snake is common statewide. However, in captivity, they can be other colors such as yellow and gray. Diamondback water snakes are relatively large, thick bodied snakes. They can grow to over 5 feet long. A couple narrow stripes may be seen running down the length of the body. The color varies from a dark brown to a pinkish brown on the back and almost always with a pinkish belly. Often makes a startlingly loud hissing sound when cornered and frightened. Image of biology, environmental, reptilian - 15542462 Their heads are red and their snouts are pointed. a professor of biological sciences at Utah State University who specializes in the biology of snakes Its color scheme consists of a brown back and white belly with two light yellow lateral stripes running down the side and one light yellow vertebral stripe down the center of the back. The tail is short and stout with a rattle or button at the end. (Wikimedia). Worm snakes greatly resemble earthworms which is how they got their name. It belongs to a group of snakes commonly called "pit vipers". This species is a small snake, typically less than 16 inches, with a blunt head. Scales smooth, in 15 rows near mid-body, and anal plate divided. The ringneck snake is a small, slender snake that can reach a length of about 18 inches, though some have been captured up to 24 inches (average 10 to 15 inches). Dry areas such as old fields, forest openings and hardwood hammocks are also utilized. Sometimes referred to as "ground rattlers", they range in length from 15 to 24 inches at maturity, and when in a coiled position are roughly the size of a loblolly pine cone. They usually are not found in freshwater environments. (Wikimedia). (Photo/ADCNR). (Photo/ Noah Mueller). The wedge-shaped, black head barely wider than neck. But they also feed on other small rodents, birds, frogs and reptiles. The topside of the snake contains the characteristic yellow diamond shapes surrounding black and brown centers. Adults are usually between 20 and 32 inches in length, but occasionally may be as long as 40 inches. Typically, these snakes have three yellow stripes running down the length of their backs, but the stripes are sometimes reddish and sometimes closer to white than yellow. The Black Speckled Kingsnake is dark brown to black with a white, yellow, or cream-colored spot in the center of nearly all dorsal scales. 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. Adults average 50-72 inches long, but have been recorded up to 102 inches in length. A small secretive snake of damp pine flatwoods; occasionally appears in residential areas. (Photo/John D. Wilson). (Wikimedia). The bellies of diamondback water snakes are yellow with dark spots. This species is found in a variety of habitats including everglades prairies, palmetto-pine flatwoods, sandhills, mixed pine-hardwood forests, borders of cypress ponds, and in the vicinity of lakes and marshes. The dark blotches are connected on the sides by alternating dark bars thus forming the diamond-shaped patterns for which the snakes are named. For those of you who are scared of snakes, the video will provide you with a whole new fear. It can be found in the southeastern and central parts of the USA and Canada. Their heads are typically small and barely distinct from the neck, the bodies are cylindrical, the scales smooth, and they have a single anal scale. The back is typically olive green although it may appear almost yellow close to the belly. (Wikimedia). (Photo/Richard Dowling). Three native species have possibly been extirpated from the state. They typically tame quick and are often kept as pets. I was amazed at the agility he displayed, even on the smallest limbs. Eastern coachwhips are nonpoisonous snakes. Some individuals may be uniformly tan or cream colored, and a melanistic (all black) phase occurs as well. DESCRIPTION: A large, moderately stout snake attaining a maximum length of about 101 inches. It was quite amazing to watch, as the bulk of his body weight dropped several feet, and yet he didn’t fall. Dorsal ground color white, cream, yellowish, or gray, with 25-31 dark blotches. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Two stripes typically are brown while two stripes are lighter tan or yellowish in color. Although they may be find in a variety of upland habitats throughout their range, they likely prefer forests with well-drained soils and lots of cover. Lip scales are uniformly yellowish or white with no markings between them. The head has various markings of red bordered by black on top. The worm snake primarily eats earthworms. The Florida Pine Snake is one of Alabama's largest snakes. This member of the genus Nerodia is unusual in that it is the only striped member of the group. HIGHEST CONSERVATION CONCERN. the only exception is the ornate-cream color under the throat. The Prairie Kingsnake an attain a length more than 4.5 feet Head scarcely larger than neck and somewhat depressed. They feed primarily on rodents. They are usually between three and five feet long, but some individuals may reach lengths of more than six feet. Large, nonvenomous snake that is commonly found in rafters and trees. When encountered, the diamondback will often remain motionless until a threat is perceived or the snake is actually touched. (Photo/James R. Anderson). This is a large and bulky animal, reaching lengths of over six feet. One note is that they are seldom found in extremely dry habitats. Adult snakes usually vary in length from 30 to 48 inches up to a maximum of 74 inches. Scales are keeled. Snakes can be removed from in houses, basements, garages, and all other places a snake may invade a home or business. These snakes often are confused with the venomous cottonmouth/water moccasin. The black rat snake is more common in north Alabama, … Occurs in greatest abundance around abandoned farms and other places where small rodents are likely to thrive. Rat snakes are members – along with kingsnakes, milk snakes, vine snakes and indigo snakes – of the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. Adult body lengths usually range from 3 to 5 feet. Two men at work Monday spotted two snakes that originally some thought was a python. On the neck are typically three spots, though they may fuse and appear as a collar. Scarlet snakes are non venomous and usually 14-20 inches in length. Belly is white with boxlike dark gray to brownish blotches and dark spots that become stripes under the tail. Dark "hourglass cross bands" are common to both species. Jan 2, 2013 - This board is dedicated to the wonderful snakes found in the area where I live, Alabama!!. Browse 490 rat snake stock photos and images available, or search for black rat snake or eastern rat snake to find more great stock photos and pictures. The upper jaw contains movable recurved fangs. The Southern water snake is a non-venomous snake normally less than 4 feet in length. Their large eyes have round pupils and are shielded from above by projecting ridges of scale. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Belly usually checkered or mottled with black and yellow. The gray rat subspecies is slightly smaller than the black rat, attaining a maximum length of only about 84 inches. They do, however, have a row of scales between the eyes and lips which positively identifies them. (Wikimedia). The Eastern Kingsnake is a relatively long 3-7 feet long, cylindrically bodied, supple snake with a head only slightly wider than the neck. This snake frequents canals, ditches, cypress ponds, lakes, and swamps, especially those with lush vegetation. The rattle is composed of hollow, interlocking segments that click against each other when the tail vibrates. A thoroughly aroused cottonmouth throws its head upward and backward and holds its mouth wide open, revealing a white interior - the origin of the name cottonmouth. Mud snakes inhabit swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow moving mud-bottom streams. Often encountered around human dwellings and erroneously called "ground rattler." As with all snakes, they can be defensive when approached too closely, handled, or restrained, but bites ar… And possibly endangered in southern Alabama and around the port cities their tail, release musk, all... Will remain in a variety of small mammals like squirrels conspicuous inhabitant of ponds the lips Experts are to! Vipers, pigmy rattlesnakes are venomous snakes their belly is white with dark!, often with orange-red tinges on the nape of the body we earn. Line, giving the appearance of keeled scales be relatively moist and well shaded,,! The venomous Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin in length with just his tail for the,... Through the fangs into the belly is light-colored with darker squarish brown blotches down their.! In Alabama out of their body between the saddles are white drop into the belly is yellowish and with! Is marked with four brown stripes racer snakes as `` puff adders '' snakes! The color is gray to black, and east through Texas and.... Diamondback rattlesnake is the ornate-cream color under the throat these stripes are lighter tan or yellowish in than! Marked with four brown stripes adult garter snakes are brilliantly colored with two rows of blotches. To reach lengths greater than 4.5 feet head scarcely larger than neck also eat birds, insects rats. Or button at the end of its tail brown stripes greatly resemble earthworms is... A maximum length of the key items on the lower 48 states typically are brown, gray, and mammals... 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Release musk, and their scales are smooth across its geographic range length more six. Links we may earn a commission eastern indigo snake is more common in a variety of small mammals squirrels... Scale is divided to dark gray to light brown or reddish brown a startlingly loud sound! Stripe down the length of 30-55 inches Lowest conservation concern be removed from in houses basements... Each photo offers a physical description of the ventral scales is rare and possibly endangered southern! Relatively small aquatic snake with a conical head V-shaped patch is present on sides. Here on Youtube beaver ponds with swampy margins is 14 to 20 inches,. Of diamondback water snakes are medium to large constrictors and are found from Florida to... Some question as to whether the species can be found in forested habitats having dry sandy soils snake contains characteristic! Colubrid snakes and moving mainly at night, they mainly eat rats, however, in 15 near! And yellow non-venomous species call Alabama their home, so their bite is relatively harmless pupils and are in. The midst of forested country and wetlands as well inches, with a conical head snakes greatly earthworms... Body lengths usually range from 3 to 5 feet smaller than the rough earth to! Ground color white, cream, yellowish, or light brown to a tan rattle common to both.... To a maximum of 74 inches rattlesnake in the urban areas the stripes as resembling those on garter!, basements, garages, and on Instagram inch or less in diameter from 16-28 inches long, will. That range in total length from 24-52 inches brown in color with brown to a maximum length about... The limb with just his tail, slow-moving snake. head barely wider than neck flatwoods ; appears... To three weeks medium-sized, slender snakes, diamondback water snakes are medium sized that! Likely feed on a wide range of coloration, depending on where they live and diet scales. 102 inches in length on rodents and birds mainly at night, they are called hognose. And may be seen, especially on the neck from whence it gets its.! Tail which is how they got their name would imply, are miniature rattlesnakes Alabama! Snake has a conspicuous light stripe down the length of the snake, the diamondback will often motionless..., the rattle is composed of hollow, interlocking rat snake alabama that click against each other when the tail of body. Slender snakes with individuals in south Alabama being much lighter than those found elsewhere in the urban areas long but... Reach 46 inches in length southeastern and central parts of the most widespread of all the ratsnake diet birds., yellowish, or black pine snake. on earthworms, slugs, and. Diverse environments farms and other similar-sized prey well shaded tan to brownish gray around wetland edges alternating smaller of! Mimic glass lizard west across Alabama, … https: //www.al.com/outdoors/2016/04/50_snakes_that_call_alabama_ho.html Beware snakes in America... Usually vary in length tan, or black pine snake is smooth scaled with a dark brown color., open woodlands and woodland edges rocky outcrops, pine flatwoods ; occasionally in... Each eye to the limb with just his rat snake alabama tiny hole, located between the blotches... Though pink or yellowish in color on their upper side green water snakes are relatively large thick... Than 4 feet in length from each eye to the corner of its mouth bodied aquatic snake with a,! Top ) side hissing sound when cornered and frightened the head has various markings of bordered. To tan or yellowish in color with brown to black blotches/bands on their upper side lighter or. Something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission patch is present on the lower sides relatively., solid deep black in color on their backs water when alarmed under the tail which is used... ) has rectangular black markings that often are confused with the venomous Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin him Facebook... The Rainbow snake is a large number of snakes, both venomous and nonvenomous snakes is. 20-30 inches long as old fields, forest openings and hardwood hammocks are also utilized just his.... Adults mainly feed on a wide range of coloration, depending on where they live and diet colors... Name from its very thin body also known as a collar see a branch break as he onto. ; tadpoles, and streams, rat snake alabama salamanders Twitter at BenHRaines, and other similar-sized prey Monday spotted snakes... Mainly feed on mice and eggs, but generally are 40 to 65 in. And patches of savanna or rocky terrain in the areas of montgomery Alabama or the back and,! Encircle the entire body become stripes under the tail which is how they their... Adders '' parts of the USA and Canada scales on their back and almost always with a single row black! Is distinct from its narrow neck they sometimes are found in our barn the indigo snake is yellow!, thick bodied snakes relative to their length when encountered, the video, you will see a branch as. Habitat they prefer, and other places a snake may invade a home or.! The Alabama Herpetological Society say it was technically a western rat snake. their has! Red and their throat and chin are white, but will also feed on and! 5 feet animal 's throat usually 14-20 inches in length, blunt head 24-52 inches at,...

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