Great Plains rat snake - Pantherophis emoryi

Head of an adult Great Plains ratsnake

Description:

  • 24-48 inches total length
  • Found in rocky areas of open woodland and prairie
  • Active at night
  • Feed on small rodents, bats, and birds

Interesting fact:

  • The hatchlings of juvenile Great Plains rat snakes are practically indistinguishable from those of the black rat snake and adult Great Plains rat snakes are difficult to tell apart from adult prairie kingsnakes.

Range map in Kansas:

Map of Kansas with counties containing Great Plains rat snakes in red.

More images:

An adult Great Plains rat snake

A recently hatched Great Plains rat snake