frequently asked q u e s t i o n s critter f i e l d   g u i d e what is it? g u e s s   g a m e ask jim y o u r   q u e s t i o n s critter care i n s t r u c t i o n s links f o r   m o r e   i n f o Critterguy / Critter Field Guide / Snakes / black rat snake Critter Field Guide: Snakes of Michigan black rat snake Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta black rat snake Description A large shiny black snake with a white chin and throat. Juveniles have dark blotches on a gray background; traces of this pattern are often visible in adult specimens. This is Michigan's largest snake. Adult Length: 3.5 to 8 feet. Habitat and Habits Rat Snakes live in or near woodlands, often near water. They climb well, and often enter barns and abandoned buildings in search of rodents, a favorite food. If cornered or grabbed these snakes may hiss and strike, but are non-venomous and harmless to humans. Reproduction In early summer the females deposit 6 to 24 eggs under rotted wood or other cover. The babies hatch in about 60 days. Range and Status Black Rat Snakes occur in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, but are rare and declining. They are considered a "species of special concern" and are proteced by law in Michigan. Acknowledgement James Harding MSU Museum Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 353-7978 hardingj@msu.edu © Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.