Have you read the new addition to the reptiles of Alabama, i think there is a 70's version and a 1996, and it says that in north western like marion and fayette counties and surrounging counties the gray rat looks more like a texas rat with all the yellowish and had some pic just like the one you had.. And the ones that i have from around thouse counties...i just found a awesome black rat snake with red blotches i mean red blotches and is huge... looks just like a black corn snake lol.. it could be a intergrade but i dont know i will post pic as soon as i can....

