# Great Plains Ratsnake (*Pantherophis emoryi*) The Great Plains Ratsnake is a friendly snake that can be found in the grasslands. It has beautiful patterns on its skin and loves to climb trees and hunt for small animals. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Great Plains Ratsnake](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Pantherophis_guttatus_emoryi.jpg&width=800) Photo: The original uploader was Dawson at English Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pantherophis_guttatus_emoryi.jpg) ## Appearance The Great Plains Ratsnake has a tan to light gray body adorned with dark brown or black blotches that run down its back, often fading towards its tail. Its belly is usually white or yellowish with a checkered pattern, which helps distinguish it from some other local snakes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Colubridae - **Genus:** Pantherophis ## Interesting facts - Great Plains Ratsnakes are sometimes called 'chicken snakes'! - These amazing snakes are non-venomous and harmless to people! - They can freeze perfectly still to avoid being seen by predators! - They lay clutches of eggs in hidden spots like rotten logs! ## Special abilities - **Stealthy Constrictor:** Great Plains Ratsnake can squeeze its prey tightly to immobilize it because of its strong, muscular body. - **Acrobatic Climber:** Great Plains Ratsnake can climb trees and structures using special belly scales that help them grip, aiding in hunting and escape. - **Tail Rattle Bluff:** Great Plains Ratsnake can vibrate its tail rapidly when threatened, creating a rattling sound that helps them scare away predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 90-150 cm - **Weight:** 0.5-1.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 8-15 years - **Speed:** 1.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 5-30 - **Incubation:** 60-70 days ## Diet & Feeding These snakes are carnivores that primarily hunt small mammals and birds. - **Age differences:** Young snakes might eat more lizards and frogs before graduating to larger prey. - **Primary Foods:** Mice, Voles, Small Birds, Bird Eggs - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Deer Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-mouse) (*Peromyscus maniculatus*) — A primary food source in its habitat. - **Eats:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Hunts eggs and nestlings from ground nests. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A significant aerial predator of these snakes. - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Opportunistic predator in open habitats. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low If you see a snake, it's best to stay calm and walk away slowly. Never try to touch or catch it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Great Plains Ratsnake? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Great Plains Ratsnake? 90-150 cm ### How much does Great Plains Ratsnake weigh? 0.5-1.5 kg ### How long does Great Plains Ratsnake live? 8-15 years ### How fast can Great Plains Ratsnake move? 1.5 km/h ### What does Great Plains Ratsnake eat? These snakes are carnivores that primarily hunt small mammals and birds. ### Where is Great Plains Ratsnake usually found? Grasslands ### How does Great Plains Ratsnake hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Fort Chadbourne](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-chadbourne) — Texas, US · Historic Site - [South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-texas-botanical-gardens-and-nature-center) — Texas, US · Botanical Garden - [The Caverns Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/the-caverns-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District [View all places to see Great Plains Ratsnake](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/great-plains-ratsnake) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Great Plains Ratsnake: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-plains-ratsnake)