First Black Ratsnake Of Spring

March 20, 2026

Today, the first day of astronomical spring and what shows up? An Eastern Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis). Also known to me as, Squiggles. Not a specific Black Rat Snake, but any that I see automatically gets that name. Certainly not what I would have expected to see on this day.

This species of snake is described in some places as “large”. That I disagree with. They are “long” snakes, yes, but not large. They are non-venomous, constrictors, native to New England south through Georgia and west to the Appalachian Mountains. Growing to 3 to 6 feet long, they are exceptional climbers and swimmers. A good snake to have around since they eat rodents.

Glad to have you here Squiggles.

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!

Published by

Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.