Central Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Size
42–72 in
Status
Common
Venomous
No
Region
Statewide (S/C)
One of Indiana's largest and most commonly seen snakes, an excellent climber that keeps barns and woodlands free of rodents. Harmless and beneficial.
Identification
A large snake with a loaf-shaped body cross-section and weakly keeled scales. Adults are gray to brownish with darker blotches, though many become nearly uniform dark gray or black with age; juveniles are strongly blotched. Adults commonly reach 4–6 feet.
Habitat & Diet
Highly adaptable — found in forests, farmland, barns, and suburban edges — and an agile climber that raids tree cavities and outbuildings. It is a powerful constrictor of rodents, birds, and eggs.
Conservation in Indiana
Common and secure statewide, and one of the most valuable natural rodent controls around homes and farms. It is harmless, though it may rear up and vibrate its tail when cornered.
Similar Species & Taxonomy
Adults can suggest a Black Kingsnake or racer, but the Gray Ratsnake has weakly keeled scales, a loaf-shaped body cross-section, and retains gray or brown dorsal blotches; hatchlings are strongly blotched. A ratsnake (family Colubridae). Formerly Elaphe obsoleta; the North American ratsnakes were reassigned from Elaphe to the genus Pantherophis in 2002, and the old black rat snake was split into several species.
United States Range Map Distribution
Distribution in Indiana
