A
forest-dwelling
species, preferring
rocky, wooded
hillsides or
sections of woods
along streams and
rivers (especially
in former prairie
and savanna areas of
the state). They
take shelter in
brushpiles, hollow
trees, farm
buildings and old
houses where the
mice are plenty.
They are excellent
climbers and often
bask in trees. They
overwinter in mammal
burrows, rock
outcrops, old rock
quarries and other
places, including
rotted stumps or
root systems of dead
trees.
Foods:
Black
rat snakes eat a
variety of rodents,
small rabbits, bats,
bird eggs, small
birds and, on
occasion, lizards.
Prey is killed by
construction. They
are excellent
climbers and often
climb trees to raid
bird nests
(including bluebird
boxes) for eggs and
young. Young black
rat snakes eat
frogs, lizards and
insects.
This information was
taken from
http://mdc.mo.gov
At Cub Creek Science Camp we have this non-venomous snake here at the ranch in the wild. Every summer this is one of the species that we catch to use for the education of our campers. This beautiful black snake is a wonderful mouser and a welcome guest in areas where there is a rodent problem.