Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here is pic of two black rat snakes that were found today.

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DON'T TREAD ON ME

your black rat snakes look like racers from this angle.

np

Actually it was just a guess based on that crappy pic. But look at the way the one in the back right is 'lolling' its tongue. Racers do that quite often but I don't recall seeing a rat snake exhibit this behavior. Also check out the very large, smooth scales on the snake beneath him. Looks very racer like to me.

A better pic is necessary for 100% positive ID, but the evidence does suggest racer.

I don't know guys they look alot like black racers to me. The species I have dealt with the most is the black rats and they don't look like them to me. I've worked with plenty of racers and they look like matches. I could give you a definite answer if I could see the bottom of the snakes or the tounge up close.

np

Ok...I dont know about you, but the way i tell racers from rat snakes is racers have a smooth, no keeled scale. The racers have a solid color belly, rat snakes do not. Rat snakes have white specks between the scales. Racers do not, and Racers have divided anal plates. Once again. The only digital camera i have is the one on my cell phone, and the pics do not come out that great.
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DON'T TREAD ON ME

If both of those snakes look like how you described racers then they are racers.

Look like racers to me except the face of the one on the right does look a little mor "ratish".
But what about all those bumps on that one? Tics? sores?
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)

There are no bumps at all on the snakes. And the last time i checked racers did not have white specs between scales, which you can kindof make out in the picture. And the last time i checked racers dont have a blotched underbelly. Plus, if there were tics on him, why would i have him with another snake. That would just be stupid.

Kris
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DON'T TREAD ON ME

The uniform dorsal coloration and, most importantly, the roundish, rather than flat sided bodies prove them to be racers, not rat snakes. You can also see the satiny "finish" typical of racers and the smooth scales. Also the roundish rather than squarish head of a rat snake.

Joe