The Ultimate Guide to Black Rat Snakes in Kentucky
Pest Expert Matthew S. Hess – 06/30/2025
The black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is a beneficial species native to Kentucky. Known for their impressive size and non-venomous nature, this snake plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. In this ultimate guide to black rat snakes in Kentucky, we will explore the biology, habitat, diet, behavior, and more about the black rat snake. Our goal is to help you better understand these remarkable, essential, and sometimes creepy reptiles, and maybe… just maybe… you’ll think twice before killing them!
Biology and Anatomy
Black rat snakes have a distinctive appearance that makes them easily recognizable. They have shiny black, smooth scales on their back with a lighter, sometimes gray or grayish-white underbelly, and a creamy white “chin.” Their eyes have standard, round pupils. They can grow to be 3 to 8 feet long, with adults typically measuring around 4 to 6 feet. Their bodies are slender and elongated, with a head that is wedge-shaped and a bit wider than the body, although not nearly as wide or triangular-shaped as vipers. Young black rat snakes may have noticeable patterned markings and are typically more of a gray color with dark brown or black blotches on their back, helping them better blend with their environment for protection. As they mature, the blotches fade and their color darkens.
The anatomy of the black rat snake is well-adapted for climbing. They have strong, muscular bodies and long tails that provide excellent balance. Unlike venomous snakes, black rat snakes are constrictors; they subdue their prey by wrapping around it and squeezing until it suffocates. Maybe you’ve seen the pictures of a black rat snake constricting a copperhead? Several have floated around various social media platforms.
Here, the shiny, black, and smooth scales are clearly visible with a touch of white underbelly.
Notice the narrow head, round pupils, and white “chin” extended to the white underbelly.
Habitat
Black rat snakes are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats across Kentucky, including:
- Forests: They thrive in wooded areas where they can find ample cover and climbing opportunities.
- Fields and Gardens: Open fields provide hunting grounds for their prey, while gardens can attract rodents.
- Near Water Sources: They are often found near streams and ponds, which provide hydration and access to diverse prey.
- Near Your Home: They often find warmth in the attic, hiding places in the crawlspace, and other areas they may find attractive.
If there’s food, water, and shelter, or any one of these three essentials, that’s where it’s possible to find a black rat snake in Kentucky. If you have overgrown property, property that is littered with old cars, junk, or otherwise unkempt, you can likely find a black rat snake or two hanging around, especially if you look hard enough. But not to worry, he’ll do you more good than harm!
Black rat snakes in KY are often seen in open fields and lawns.
Food Sources
As opportunistic feeders, black rat snakes primarily consume small mammals, reptiles, birds, and their eggs. Common prey includes:
- Rodents: Mice, rats, squirrels, voles, and chipmunks can be part of their diet, making them beneficial for controlling pest populations. Small rodents are more typical than the larger ones.
- Birds: They will climb trees to raid nests for eggs and nestlings, and may eat small birds when the opportunity presents itself.
- Reptiles: Occasionally, they may also consume smaller snakes and lizards.
- Amphibians: Frogs are also a large part of their diet.
Finding black rat snakes in or near your home is often indicative of an underlying rodent or bird infestation. Without food sources, these snakes aren’t likely to make your home theirs! If you experience ongoing problems with black snakes in or near your home, give us a call, and we can implement control measures that will alleviate the issue.
Although it may seem impossible, black rat snakes can swallow chicken eggs whole!
How and Why They Enter Homes
Black rat snakes often enter homes in search of food, shelter, and nesting sites. They can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, typically around 1/4 inch wide, making it easy for them to find their way inside. Common entry points include:
- Cracks and Gaps: Spaces around windows, doors, and foundations can provide easy access.
- Vents and Chimneys: Unscreened vents or openings can allow snakes to enter homes.
- Garages and Sheds: These areas often provide shelter and are close to food sources, such as rodents.
- Doors and Windows: Gaskets and seals in poor repair can allow these reptiles easy access indoors.
Whatever the reason they enter your home, and however they were able to get in, you likely don’t want them there, and efforts to reduce their presence can be taken without killing them. They are essential to the ecosystem and very beneficial to have on your property, so long as they remain mostly out of sight!
Black rat snake shed skins are often found in outbuildings and attics. The love the warmth and the rough surfaces of the wood help them shed easily.
Reproduction
Black rat snakes generally mate in the spring after emerging from hibernation. During this time, males will engage in courtship rituals, competing for females. After mating, females will lay 6 to 20 eggs in late spring to early summer, typically in moist, hidden locations such as leaf litter or rotting logs. The eggs incubate for about 60 to 70 days before hatching in late summer. Hatchlings are approximately 10 to 15 inches long and are independent from birth.
During the hatching season, you may encounter young snakes. If these snakes are making their way indoors, it could be accidental. However, if it happens over and over, it may be necessary to have an inspection to discover why and where they are entering.
Population in Kentucky
The black rat snake is relatively common throughout Kentucky, and while exact population numbers are difficult to ascertain, they are often seen in both rural and suburban settings, particularly where there is a steady food source and suitable habitat.
If your property, or even your home, can provide these essentials, black rat snakes may infest. Prevention is key and can be easily achieved through habitat modification, removal of food sources, and pest exclusion sealants performed on the home.
Are They Dangerous?
Black rat snakes are non-venomous and generally not considered dangerous to humans. They are more likely to flee than confront an intruder. However, like all wildlife, they may bite if threatened, which can cause minor injury or infection. It’s important to respect their space and avoid handling them unless necessary. Note that these snakes will “rattle” or vibrate their tail in a motion that mimics a rattlesnake’s rattling of the tail (no noise will be heard). This is a defensive act and should alarm you that a bite could happen if further provoked.
Although they may look intimidating, and their strike pose is no joke, they pose little threat to humans.
Conclusion
These snakes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling rodent populations, making them essential for our environment. If you encounter a black rat snake in or around your home, consider using humane methods for removal or contacting the professionals here at Four Seasons. Of course, once they make it indoors, their essential status sort of loses its clout, and they become a nuisance. Once a nuisance, it’s necessary to remove them for the safety of the residents inside the home.
At Four Seasons Pest Solutions, we offer expert wildlife management services to help you safely and effectively manage any encounters with black rat snakes and other native species. Protect your home and maintain harmony with nature by reaching out to us today!
And remember, it’s okay to live among pests… but you don’t have to live with them!
Four Seasons Pest Solutions, Inc.