Rat snakes are a group of snakes that are classified under the Colubridae family. The rat snakes are found in different parts of the world and even in Tennessee, you are going to find some of these iconic species. They are characterized by their medium body size and it is integral to note that they are constrictors and they usually prey on rodents, hence the name.
The state of Tennessee is home to some of the most unique rat snake species that you are going to find in the US. They are found almost everywhere in the state. While there are so many snake species that you are going to find in this region, the most common of them are rat snakes.
Here are some of the rat snakes that you are going to find in the state of Tennessee.
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Gray Ratsnake
The gray rat snake is a species that you are going to find in the state of Tennessee. This snake is known to thrive in different parts of the state.
These snakes are characterized by their brown or black patterns on their back and some have usually a uniform grey color. The gray ratsnake is a more widespread snake in Tennessee. Some of the identifying factors of this snake are the black or grey bodies and white bellies.
Its population has grown over the years and ever since it continues to grow because of adequate food. These snakes are known to grow up to 6 feet in length and they are some of the longest snakes in eastern United States.
Common Kingsnake
The common kingsnake is another snake that you are going to find in the state of Tennessee. There are three subspecies and these include the eastern kingsnakes which are often in the eastern part of Tennessee.
Further reading: Black snakes in Tennessee
The eastern black kingsnakes are located in different parts of the state apart from the northeastern region. Unlike what their name would suggest it is important to note that the common kingsnake are very rare to spot and they have some of the most unique hues.
Depending on the subspecies, you will find them in suburbs, forests, and wood debris. Their diet includes rats, mice, toads, and frogs.
Black Racer
The black racers are long and slender snakes that are known to come with a gray belly and a white chin. These species are found in most parts of the state and they are sleek black snakes that move very fast.
These snakes are known to be agile and move at high speed they can go and hit up to ten miles per hour. They are often classified into two: the southern black racer and the northern black racer.
Red-tailed Ratsnake
The red-tailed ratsnake is another species of rat snake that you are going to find in the state of Tennessee. These snakes are usually very shy and will often flee whenever they see humans. Still, it is recommended that when you see them in their habitat then you should not interfere with them because they are protective.
There have been color changes depending on the region they inhabit. The red-tailed ratsnake usually comes in vibrant red colors and orange as well as with checkered bellies. The patterns on their back change depending on the region where you are going to find them because they can be orange and red.
Their distribution across the state is varied and you will find them near the North Carolina border and the southwestern Tennessee.
Garter Snake
The garter snakes of Tennessee are very common rat snakes that you are going to find in different parts of Tennessee. Garter snakes are easy to identify because they have three stripes that run throughout the length of their bodies.
While these snakes are not poisonous, they usually have enzymes that can cause the failure of the blood to clot. In this case whenever they bite you, then you are likely to bleed for a very long time.
It is therefore critical that you watch out for these snakes because they can be dangerous, especially when you interfere with them in their territory.
Scarlet Snake
These are snakes found in most parts of Tennessee and it is critical to note that you will not find them in the northwestern part of the state. They are nonvenomous in nature and you will find them consuming a wide array of creatures ranging from frogs, toads, and rats.
The scarlet snakes are often confused with their dangerous counterparts, the coral snakes. It is critical to watch out for these snakes because they can cause severe harm to your body because of the species that they usually consume.
They are usually medium snakes and they can grow up to 20 inches long. They usually come in a wide array of colors from yellow, red, and grey with black bands over their bodies.
These snakes are also characterized by their smooth scales and the males are longer than their female counterparts. These snakes usually prefer the loamy cultivated fields, pinewood forests as well as hardwood forests of the state of Tennessee. They have very sharp teeth and they usually use them whenever they are feeling threatened.
Cottonmouth Snake
These are some of the top snakes that you are going to find in different parts of the state of Tennessee. They are very thick snakes with bright white mouths.
Cottonmouths are venomous snakes that are widespread in the eastern United States. These snakes are usually darker in color and they have a bright white mouth. Their bellies come in dark grey as well as some that are olive-gray in nature. They have unique pits on either side of their nose.
Red Corn Snake
The red corn snake is one of the unique rat snakes that you are going to find in the state of Tennessee. This snake is exceptional because of the location that you are going to find it in and the creatures that they usually consume.
These snakes are mostly found in farmlands, rocky hillsides, and even in urban areas. They consume rats, mice, frogs, and toads. You will find them in the eastern part of the state as well as the central regions.
They are slim snakes and will grow up to 48 inches long. These snakes are known to come in different hues depending on the location that you are going to find it in. Some of the colors that these snakes usually come with include orange and gray with red blotches. Their underbellies have white or black stripes which run to the tail. The younger snakes are usually less brightly colored than the adults and these colors improve as they get older.
They are nonvenomous species and they usually don’t cause pose a major threat to humans. They are nocturnal creatures and are very active at night.
Brown Snake
The brown snake is a small yet harmless snake that usually grows up to 13 inches long and commonly comes in dark brown color. They have different shades of colors from brown, grey, and yellow and a series of dots on their backs. Brown snakes resemble young copperhead snakes.
