Rat Snake

[J.huff23]

Does anyone know what area of Pennsylvania where I can find a black rat snake. They are on the poster "Snakes of Pennsylvania" and I am dying to catch a baby or even an adult. Not just for the hell of it though. I want keep one as a pet (i have seen this done with wild rat snakes). Thanks.

J-

 

[pitbulllady]

Check the legality. Some states list the Black Rat Snake as a protected species, and prohibit keeping them or catching them. I don't know if PA is such a state, but nearby Ohio is. I've got several from SC, ranging in size from a two-foot juvie to a seven-foot old guy with a stumpie tail, and they do make good pets, but again, not all states permit keeping them, and northern states(Georgia being a notable southern exception, but they ban just about everything)prohibit keeping this species.

pitbulllady

 

[J.huff23]

Check the legality. Some states list the Black Rat Snake as a protected species, and prohibit keeping them or catching them. I don't know if PA is such a state, but nearby Ohio is. I've got several from SC, ranging in size from a two-foot juvie to a seven-foot old guy with a stumpie tail, and they do make good pets, but again, not all states permit keeping them, and northern states(Georgia being a notable southern exception, but they ban just about everything)prohibit keeping this species.

pitbulllady

Wow. Didnt know that! I will check this out. Do you know anywhere where I could check it out?

 

[hardlucktattoo]

google search it "catching and keeping black rat snake PA"

 

[J.huff23]

Just found this:
"It is legal to catch and keep a black rat snake taken from the wild in Pennsylvania. However, as stewards of Pennsylvania's native reptiles and amphibians, the Commission does NOT encourage people to remove snakes and other herptiles from the wild for pets."

Now that thats sorted out, does anyone know what are of PA these beauties can be found? I read that they tame easily.

 

[hardlucktattoo]

Just found this:
"It is legal to catch and keep a black rat snake taken from the wild in Pennsylvania. However, as stewards of Pennsylvania's native reptiles and amphibians, the Commission does NOT encourage people to remove snakes and other herptiles from the wild for pets."

Now that thats sorted out, does anyone know what are of PA these beauties can be found? I read that they tame easily.

my guess would be to look outside;P ;P Sorry for the sarcasm but really look anywhere you would expect to any snake under leaves and rocks rotting tree stumps wood piles oh and be careful

 

[Tim Benzedrine]

my guess would be to look outside;P ;P

Not necessarily. I had to remove a five-footer from the top of the medicine cabinet in out bathroom a week or so ago. They sometimes get into our basement looking for mice and there is an access door between there and the bathroom. Well, the door was left ajar one day.....

They do tame amazingly quick. I just pick them up somewhat casually and within a few minutes they usually calm down,
This one did take a shot at my face, though. My attention was drawn elsewhere for a moment, and when I glanced back, it struck with an audible hiss. I was reminded of the snake documentaries where they encourage the snake to strike at the camera lens, that's the way it appeared from my point of view. This was just a minute or two after I captured it, he was quite calm after some more handling. They are a great snake. I'm a little surprised that they are not bred for the pet trade. Attractive, docile, and they reach a respectable size.

 

[Shrike]

Quick question...why do want a wild caught snake? I'm not trying to rain on your parade but I am opposed to this practice when obtaining a captive bred specimen is both easy and affordable. Do you have other snakes in your collection? Wild caught animals are typically host to a variety of parasites, including snake mites, which you do NOT want to spread around. A captive bred snake will also likely be of a better temperament.

Part of what I and so many others enjoy about living in PA is the beautiful surroundings and the variety of wildlife that can be observed and appreciated. By taking a rat snake out of the wild you are depriving myself and others of the ability to do so. Reptiles and amphibians are a huge passion of mine and I hold true to the belief that wild specimens should remain wild. And now I'll get off my soap box...

 

[J.huff23]

Ok, but I dont know if they are even in my area of PA. I dont want to go an a wild goose chase.

 

[Shrike]

Black rat snakes can be found throughout PA. They live in a wide variety of habitats ranging from dense woodland to open meadows. Searching for this species will be much like searching for any other. Get outside, carefully flip over cover objects, you know the drill. Its kind of a crap shoot...

 

[JohnEDove]

Ok, but I dont know if they are even in my area of PA. I dont want to go an a wild goose chase.

LOL, it is not called a wild goose chase, it is called herping. Like Mr. King I am greatly opposed to taking in WC reptiles but herping is the very best way to learn about the habitat and habits of the animals.
You can read all the books and care sheets you want but there is nothing like finding the animals in their natural surroundings then weighing, measuring and sexing them for your records then allowing them to go on their way unharmed.
Great exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery combined with the thrill of the find and an occasional surprise can make for some of the most memorable days of your life.
Yes you can spend many many days just walking through nature without finding anything but just wait until you are stepping over that ditch and a flared cobra, actually an Eastern Hog Nose (Heterondon platirhinos ), pops up out of the ditch mid stride and freaks you out. There is nothing like it!!!

 

[hardlucktattoo]

Ok, but I dont know if they are even in my area of PA. I dont want to go an a wild goose chase.

Look that's all I can say if they are there you will find them or you could just buy one If you dont wanna buy one get out those goose chasing boots and hit the woods

 

[froggyman]

also for a safer(and healthier) snake try going to a reptile show..im not sure if where you are in pa but there are shows all over the state