Where do rat snakes live?

There are Old World (Eastern Hemisphere) and New World (Western Hemisphere) rat snakes, and the two types are fairly different genetically. New World rat snakes are found .... rat snakes continue hunting. They do this because they are cloaked in the prey's scent so other prey is less likely to notice them. read more

Rat snakes are excellent swimmers, and the Everglades rat snake is known for swimming away from predators, according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. In cold climates, rat snakes hibernate in the winter, according to Marshall University. read more

As a snake owner and a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer, black snake/rat snake bites don’t hurt. If you’ve been scratched by a cat, it actually feels 10x worse. There is a chance you might bleed a little bit, but like any minor injury, just washing it with antibacterial soap will clear it right up. read more

While rat snakes are being hunted during the day, being more active at night due to warmer temperatures may allow rat snakes to be less vulnerable to predation from hawks. A warming climate also enhances food digestion in rat snakes thereby making them more efficient, which enables rat snake individuals to grow larger in size and allowing them to consume more prey. read more