Gray Rat Snakes - Thelma & Louise

Gray rat snakes (formerly known as black rat snakes) are large, shiny black snakes with a white or cream chin and throat. Hatchlings are strongly patterned with dark blotches on a gray background. Traces of the juvenile patterns are often seen in adult snakes with variable contrast. They are Michigan’s largest snake ranging in size from 6-8 feet, though some individuals may grow larger. 

Gray rat snakes occur in the southern half of the lower peninsula excluding most of the east coast. They are most common in and around woodlands where they spend much time climbing trees and eating birds or nestlings. They also bask at great heights in the treetops. They are listed as a species of special concern by the MI DNR and are not allowed to be captured or killed. A species of slow and deliberate movements, they may “freeze” when spotted but if threatened they may hiss, strike or vibrate their tail (rattlesnake mimicry). They should be considered a valuable species by us in their role as rodent control.

Thelma and Louise are Sarett’s resident gray rat snake ambassador sisters. They were purchased together from a noteworthy breeder at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo in October 2020. We purchased them as babies and have raised them to be educational ambassadors at our facility. We made the decision to purchase the snakes after our past black rat snake ambassador, Tex, passed away. Thelma and Louise will carry on the “large snake legacy” of Sarett for many years to come.