Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I read that these are *very inquisitive and personable* animals, but what about Winter activity levels?

Since they are from the Siberian region, I suspect that they are normally active only about 4 months per year, and that they go off feed early in autumn.

What have Herpers found who have schrenckii specimens? Are yours active in winter, or are they only a summer treat?

0.1 Lampropeltis getula califnornia (Los Angeles County morph)
1.0 Pantherophis obsoletus rossalleni

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Its ironic that all these common names are used:

Russian Rat Snake
Manchurian Rat Snake
Amur Rat Snake

Political boundaries are usually a poor way to name animal species. When I look at the map, most of the range is actually in Manchuria, not Russia. A better name, I think, is based on the river system along which the range corresponds:

Amur Rat Snake

Mine are active year-round, though they tend to stop feeding in September or October. I've had Black Rat Snakes that were active year-round as well - especially on sunny days. But "active" I mean that they crawl around a bit - not that they're constantly moving.

Tim

Third Eye

Sounds like they are like most temperate snakes: go off feed early, but will remain active at times if permitted by temperatures.

I'd love to hear more about your Russians, behavior and such. When time permits, please share more comments or insight.

If I ever get another Rat Snake, I will strongly consider a Russian. I love *inquisitve* & *personable* traits in any animal.

Is there any literature available on wild Schrenki winter activity? I've built a small indoor hibernation den for 4 Western Fox snakes I've got here, and have been observing them for over a month now. Would love to hear about those northern Russians too!