It's hard to tell from just looking at pics vs in person but it appears to me that the dark scales are from genetic pigmentation. Some areas could have been damaged by rodent bites or some other way but due to how some areas are black between the scales and how the black appears to be somewhat sporadic all throughout the snake. The 2 white scales is another reason I'm leaning towards genetic pigmentation. Possible calico genes? Maybe, maybe not.

When scales are darker, different color, they can appear to be smaller or larger. I zoomed in on several of the larger dark areas and the scales appeared to be the same size. One thing is to pay close attention & see if there's any change after it sheds.

Interesting, that's for sure!

Take care!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

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