Gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides), Little River Canyon National Preserve, 2015.

An agile climber, gray ratsnakes are at home from the ground to the tree tops, even in close proximity to people. Within its range, any environment rich in small prey is suitable habitat for the gray ratsnake. They are scent-hunters and powerful constrictors. When startled, all ratsnakes stop in their tracks and hold their bodies in a series of kinks. It will also lift its head and bluff a strike; however, it will also bite if necessary. If handled, the snake also musks its victim with its foul-smelling cloacal contents.

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2014

National Parks Gallery

https://npgallery.nps.gov/

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