Great Plains Ratsnake
An uncommon Colorado snake, the Great Plains ratsnake is an effective rodent control species.
About This Species
The Great Plains ratsnake is a constrictor that feeds primarily on rodents. One of their defense mechanisms is rapidly shaking the end of their tail, mimicking a rattlesnake. While their tail does not emit noise, if it shakes against dry leaves, it sounds amazing like a rattlesnake. They are generally calm and are non-venomous. Other names: brown rat snake, chicken snake, eastern spotted snake, Emory's Coluber, Emory's pilot snake, Emory's racer, Emory's snake, gray rat snake, mouse snake, prairie rat snake, spotted mouse snake, Texas rat snake, and western pilot snake.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Upper side gray, with numerous dark-edged blotches; upper scales weakly keeled along middle of back, unkeeled on sides; numerous square-cornered dark marks on belly; anal scale divided; dark stripes usually on underside of tail; maximum total length in Great Plains region about 71 inches (180 cm) but generally less than 49 inches (125 cm); smaller in western Colorado, usually less than 31 inches (80 cm) total length, rarely up to 47 inches (120 cm) total length.
Range
Southeastern and west-central Colorado below 6,000 feet; likely also in extreme northwestern Colorado. Generally uncommon but fairly common in some locations.
Habitat
Closely associated with river valleys, stream courses, and canyon bottoms; inhabits grassland, weedy areas, shrubland, plains shelterbelts, open conifer woodlands, lowland riparian zones, and semi-agricultural and rural residential areas (especially rodent-infested outbuildings) but usually does not venture far from a permanent or intermittent stream or arroyo. Active on the ground, also a good climber in shrubs, trees, rocky crevices, and buildings. Takes shelter in burrows and other secluded locations, including the foundations of old buildings and similar sites. Sometimes found under objects on the ground during daylight hours.
Diet
This snake is a constrictor that feed mainly on rodents and sometimes birds or lizards.
Reproduction
Limited information suggests that females produce a clutch of eggs in July and that eggs hatch after about two months.