Is this an eastern racer in Pennsylvania USA (1 Viewer)

mark123

Well-known member

• Jun 10, 2014

• #1

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jun 10, 2014

• #2

Looks a lot like our Rat Snakes

 

mark123

Well-known member

• Jun 11, 2014

• #3

Im in south western Pa, i dont think there are rat snakes here

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jun 11, 2014

• #4

See this list of Pennsylvania snakes. Maybe it will help to narrow it down:

http://www.fish.state.pa.us/anglerboater/2012ab/vol81num1_janfeb/08play03.pdf

 

mark123

Well-known member

• Jun 11, 2014

• #5

thank you for your help

 

snowyowl

Well-known member

• Jun 11, 2014

• #6

The white chin makes me think Black Racer. Northern Black Racer?

 

mark123

Well-known member

• Jun 11, 2014

• #7

thank you i didnt know if there was a difference between a northern and an eastern black racer

 

snowyowl

Well-known member

• Jun 12, 2014

• #8

Maybe there isn't but in my guides they are called Northern and there is a Southern.

 

mark123

Well-known member

• Jun 12, 2014

• #9

thanks for your time Dan

 

RJP

Well-known member

• Jun 14, 2014

• #10

S.W. Pennsylvania is in the range of both Black Rat snake and Northern Black Racer. Both have white on the chin, so this is not an easy distinction to make.

I think the fact that you got close enough to take these pictures is significant. I've been that close (and closer) to Black Rat snakes before without them trying to escape, but never with Racers, which are much more "nervous" snakes that bolt as soon as you get anywhere near them. I'd go with Black Rat, but maybe you could tell us more about the snake's behavior to confirm ...

[Later addition] One more thing in favor of Black Rat - the traces of white between the scales that you can see in the pics are more characteristic of Black Rat than a dark Racer.

 

Last edited: Jun 14, 2014

mark123

Well-known member

• Jun 17, 2014

• #11

we came across this snake on a trail and it didnt move at first. Myself and two others saw it stopped and then walked by it. AS i looked back and saw it start to crawl, thats when i decided to take the pictures. Then we went on our way, it didnt seem to mind us being there at all.

 

Bird_Bill

Well-known member

• Jun 17, 2014

• #12

Looks more like Ratsnake. The white on the chin of a Ratsnake, is much more extensive than on the Northern Racer. Relaxed, at ease behavior typical for the Ratsnake. Twice, I've grabbed one on the porch of my place outstate, thinking it was a broom handle, hanging on the cabin. Have a habit of checking to make sure now. Below, in addition to what KC has above, might help.

PA. Herp Identification