Red Rat Snake Florida

The Red Rat Snake is an impressive reptile native to Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States. It is characterized by a long, slender body with reduced scales along its back, dark brown or black spots in patterns along its spine, orange-red sides with brown stripes, and a smooth black tongue. Generally found in open areas such as disturbed woods or fields, Red Rat Snakes in Florida are regularly seen near hardwood trees, especially those that produce nuts like walnuts and pecans, providing them with hiding places and an attractive source of food. 

Habitat

The Red Rat Snake in Florida inhabits a wide range of areas including woods, plains, rocky foothills, and wetlands. Due to the variety of habitats, these snakes can be found in, their diet consists of rodents, small birds, lizards and even frogs.

Colour

The Red Rat Snake of Florida has a wide variety of colours, ranging from brown to reddish-orange. It is noted for its sharp white and black stripes running along its body, contrasting against the deep red coat. This unique colour is seldom seen in nature and it stands out both in captivity and the wild. The vibrancy of this snake’s red colouring brings an energy to its environment that few other creatures possess. With its bright hues, it can enliven someone’s day while they take a walk through the forest, looking out for any kind of wildlife.

Diet

The Red Rat Snake of Florida has a diverse diet that consists of small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards. Residing in the north, central, and south regions of the state, it primarily feeds on mice, voles and other rodents. Due to its quick speed and slender body structure, it can climb trees to capture its prey or fasten itself to branches and surprise unsuspecting birds. Larger prey requires more careful techniques such as ambushing them on the ground. This powerful predator possesses impressive jaw strength which helps it slash through the thick exoskeletons of lizards. 

Size, Lifespan and Weight 

The Red Rat Snake Florida is a medium-sized snake that typically grows up to 3.5 to 4 feet in length, making them fairly large as compared to other species of snakes. On average, they live up to 8-10 years in the wild. As far as weight goes, the female Red Rat Snake has been observed to be much larger than her male counterpart with an average weight of around 600 grams. 

Reproduction

Red rat snakes reproduce in spring with most of the mating taking place between April and May. The female snake will lay her eggs in a shallow nest between the months of June and July, varying depending on the climate and type of snake. Red Rat Snakes can have up to 30 eggs per clutch, but their population is quite stable around Florida due to their large numbers when they breed.

Predators

When comes red rat snakes in Florida, have a lot of predators that they need to be aware of. These include mainly owls and hawks since they are good at quickly snatching the snake out of its hiding spots. Also, largemouth bass and even alligators have been known to feed on red rat snakes! It’s important for these predators to keep the red rat snake population under control, as without their control their population would increase exponentially. 

Baby Red Rat snake Florida

The Baby Red Rat snake, also known as the Corn Snake, is one of Florida’s most distinct and fascinating creatures. This small snake has a beautiful cream-coloured body with distinctive red blocks on its back and sides, giving it an impressive appearance. Its fame stems from its natural diet of rats and mice, making it an important indicator species in urban areas around Florida. It is also famous for being highly docile and friendly, able to be handled by both experts and casual observers alike. 

Reference:

https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/cornsnake.shtml

https://brevardzoo.org/animals/paws-on/wildlife-detective-training-academy/red-rat-snake/

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/eastern-ratsnake/