Snakes
of Tennessee
Gray Ratsnake
Description: COMING SOON
Habitat:
Life History:
Range: Statewide
Additional Notes: Sometimes also referred to as a 'chicken snake' for their habit of entering chicken coops to feed on the eggs and chicks.
Behavior: When confronted, this snake may assume a strike stance and rapidly vibrate its tail. This species is a very good climber and will raid bird houses and nests of eggs and chicks.
Subspecies Occurring in Tennessee: None
Distribution of the Gray Ratsnake in Tennessee
Map by Susan Marden, TWRA, GIS Lab
Juvenile Gray Ratsnake
Photo by John White
Photo by Brad Glorioso
Photo by Brad Glorioso
Photo by Matthew L. Niemiller
Photo by Matthew L. Niemiller
Photo by Brad Glorioso
Photo by Lisa Powers
Photo by Lisa Powers
Photo by Lisa Powers
Photo by Lisa Powers
Photo by Lisa Powers
Photo Courtesy of Arnold Air Force Base