The former status of rat snakes in that region is not well documented. The original description of Everglades Rat Snakes did not call for solid red tongues or super orange coloration that hobbyists seem to regard as markers of purity. It basically described the South Florida Yellow Rat Snakes as we know them today. From what I've found, which includes hundreds of rat snakes from south of Lake Okeechobee, is that there are dingy looking Yellow Rats, hot looking Glades Rats, and everything in between.

A lot of old collectors will say that the situation with Yellow/Everglades Rat Snakes is the same as it has always been, and that yellow and orange phenotypes have always been found alongside each other. Some say Yellow Rat Snakes have invaded Everglades Rat Snake territory. Both claims are anecdotal, and no one has any proof to back up either claim. Personally, I would side with the situation being the same as it has always been.

[ Show Entire Thread ]