Red Rat Snake, Pantherophis guttatus
The red rat snake is the best climbing species of snake in Florida (Tallahassee Museum, n.d.). Its average length ranges from 30-48 inches (76.2-121.92 centimeters), but it can grow up to 72 inches (182.9 centimeters). This species varies in color, but usually has a yellowish-tan to orange body color, with large red or faded blotches located on their back, a belly with dark marks, and a “V” on the top of its head (Huegel and Cook 2004, Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001). The diet of the red rat snake primarily consists of small mammals (i.e. rodents), lizards, birds, and bird eggs. This species kills its prey by constriction, as they have no toxic venom or fangs. (Ernst and Ernst 2003, Florida Museum of Natural History, n.d., Bartlett and Bartlett 2003).
The Way 