Rat snake
| Rat Snake | |
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| An Aesculapian Snake, Zamenis longissimus | |
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| Genus: | Various
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Rat snakes are medium to large snakes that can be found mostly in the northern hemisphere. They feed primarily on rodents and birds and, with some species being over 3 m (10 feet), they are on the top levels of some food chains. Many species make attractive pets and one, the corn snake, is one of the most popular reptile pets in the world. Other species can be very sensitive and sometimes aggressive, but the bites are not dangerous. Rat snakes were long thought to be completely nonvenomous, but recent studies have shown that some do have harmlessly small amounts of venom in them.[1] When frightened, rat snakes may freeze, which is why a lot has been killed in traffic.[1] Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and eggs. They adapt their diet according to availability and sometimes eat lizards, frogs, and other small mammals.[2][3]
Rat snakes in captivity
[change | change source]Rat snakes are commonly kept as pets. The corn snake especially is one of the most popular pet reptiles, and belongs to the rat snake family.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Rat Snake - aggressivity, life-cycle, predation, diet, bites, hibernation and pictures". ratsnake.org. 2011. Archived from the original on 27 October 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- ↑ curie, Marie (2024-07-27). "The Comprehensive Guide To Texas Rat Snake: Everything You Know". SNAKES WORLD. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
- ↑ curie, Marie (2024-07-22). "Baby Rat Snake: A Complete Guide". SNAKES WORLD. Retrieved 2024-08-23.