Are there rat snakes in Virginia?

There are two common black snakes in Virginia: the black rat snake and the black racer. The black rat snake is the largest in Virginia.

Are Virginia rat snakes poisonous?

These snakes would be: the Northern black racer, the Eastern ratsnake, and the sometimes-but-not-always-black Eastern hognose. Though all three are non-venomous, harmless and native to Virginia, it is the first two, according to Steele, that are likely most often confused—and little wonder.

Can rat snakes hurt you?

Rat snakes are medium-to-large, nonvenomous snakes that kill by constriction. They pose no threat to humans, and as their name implies, rats are one of their favorite foods.

Will a rat snake bite my dog?

If cornered, he might strike out at you, but he doesn’t have “fangs” and his bite would be minimal, though it is very unlikely he would even manage to reach you.

Can you pick up a rat snake?

If they are somewhere unsafe, it is not difficult to move them. They are harmless, but it is best to stay calm and try to avoid making them feel threatened. You may wish to don gloves or use a broom to “shoo” them into a container, though just picking them up is usually the simplest option.

Will a rat snake strike at you?

A ratsnake might bite you anyway, but you would only receive some “scrapes” from its teeth, he says. These snakes kill their prey by constriction. Rather than offering the snakes some sacrificial prey animals, the researchers baited the snakes into striking in self-defense.

How do you tell the difference between a cottonmouth and a rat snake?

The cottonmouth has a triangular head, and its eyes are slit, like a cat. Typically, a cottonmouth is light brown, with bands that are dark brown. It also has spots or speckles, which are usually darker brown than the bands….Cottonmouth vs Rat Snake: Key Differences Explained.

Feature	Cottonmouth	Rat Snake
10. Life Expectancy	10 years in the wild; 24 in captivity	Unknown