The Gray Ratsnake, sometimes called the Eastern Ratsnake or Black Ratsnake, is Canada’s largest snake, reaching a length of up to 190 cm. Their colouring differs from region to region, but they are generally a shiny black or gray with a white chin and throat.

In Canada, this snake is only found in two distinct parts of Ontario: the Carolinian forest region of Lake Erie, and the St. Lawrence region in counties such as Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, and Frontenac.

The Gray Ratsnake is a constrictor, mainly preying on small mammals and, since it is an efficient arboreal hunter, birds and their nests. Its natural predators include Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Raccoon, Fisher and Mink.

Major threats to the species include being run over by vehicles – given their length and tendency to move slowly across roadways – or agricultural machinery, deliberate slaughter by humans and habitat loss due to increased development.

One of the key measures identified for this species’ conservation is identification and protection of their hibernacula.

What You Can Do

• Share what you’ve learned about the Gray Ratsnake with others. Knowledge helps us to understand our wild neighbours and the natural environments they need to survive.
• Stay alert when driving. Wildlife can cross human-made boundaries such as roads in unexpected places, so we need to take care not to endanger the animals or our own safety.

Photo by John C. Murphy (http://www.jcmnaturalhistory.com/).