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Texas Rat Snake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Photo by AshleyT
Published on Project Noah
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31.9571, -95.9747

Field Notes

Description:

One of the prettiest rat snakes I've seen, and she had quite the attitude to go with it! Grayish body with lots of red on the sides and dark blotches down the length of the back. Though she may look scary, she never bit me even while I was holding her.

Habitat:

In a post oak savannah with sandy soil.

Reference Links:

Western rat snake

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (15)
AshleyT
Haha Neil, that's the beauty of rat snakes. All you have to do is walk near them and some get all stirred up like this ;) She started doing this first when I found her, then I picked her up and she was completely calm, then put her back down for some photos and she started doing it again haha
Neil Ross
She seems pretty annoyed with you, Ashley. What did you say to stir her up? LOL She is a real beauty.
AshleyT
Thanks guys! Bill, they usually don't flatten out so much, this one reminded me of a hognose since they flatten so much and open their mouths so wide!
beaker98
Awesome series Ashley! I didn't realize their heads flattened out so much when in defense mode. That really adds to the intimidation factor!

Spotted for Missions

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Snakes of the World
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Snakes of the United States - Center for Snake Conservation
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Herps of Texas
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National Geographic's Great Nature Project
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2014 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedAugust 16, 2014

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