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![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1976 W: 259 N: 4103]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (11585) | Yellow Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta spiloides)
This snake's colour can range anywhere from orange to yellow to olive green. The one unifying factor is the set of 4 stripes that go from head to tail on adults. Young yellow rat snakes have very faint or no stripes. They have a blotched pattern that gradually fades. These snakes can get quite large, reaching 2m. The yellow, black, grey, Everglades, and birds rat snakes are all subspecies that look very similar at birth.
Yellow rat snakes are found throughout most of Florida and the Keys. They also live in a narrow strip along the Atlantic coast through Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. They are often found in warm southern swamps, and are also common in abandoned buildings and barns. They probably got their nickname "chicken snake" from numerous barn yard sightings.
This snake will lay anywhere between 4 to 28 eggs in a clutch during the summer. The eggs are typically laid in rotten logs.
Besides rats, yellow rat snakes will eat a wide variety of small mammals, birds, and eggs. They are considered the best tree climbing snake in Florida. The scales on their bellies are squared off, which aids them tremendously with climbing. They are strong constrictors, and kill their prey by suffocation.
Yellow rat snakes are one of the more common snakes in Florida. They adapt well to residential areas as long as there is enough prey to catch. They are also quite popular as pets, and are easily bred in captivity.
For more info on the venue please see the travelogue. |
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