Rat Snakes belong to the family of Colubridae (Typical Snakes), which is the dominant Snake family in all areas except for Australia, where the Cobra family predominates. The many varieties of Rat Snakes (Elaphe) are defined by geography. The Snake of the photo is Trans-Pecos Rat Snake, which lives in Texas (USA). Other Rat Snakes include Mexican Rat Snake (Mexico), Black Rat Snake (Northeastern USA), and Corn Rat Snake (USA).
These Snakes are opportunistic feeders, eating whatever comes their way. Rat Snakes are powerful constrictors, capable of taking relatively large prey. Trans-Pecos Rat Snake hunts at night, rather than during the day, since most of the animals where She lives are nocturnal.
Black Rat Snake lives everywhere from deep woods to fields and meadows. This excellent climber is found in trees, attics, and little-used buildings. In search of Rats, Mice, and other Rodents, this beneficial, shy Snake often encounters frightened people. Rather than killing the Snake, people should let the Snake eat what She came for–Rat.
Rat Snakes teach goodness. They are good Snakes because they eat Rats that bring the plague to people. When Rat Snake appears, expect good health to follow.
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Rat Snake Empowerment: Animals have gifts that they are willing to offer people. One gift of the animals is their energies to empower people on their journey of life. With their energy gift, each animal offers their particular wisdom to the person. Rat Snake offers people a sense of kindness and calmness.
I offer Rat Snake Empowerment for $40 US (includes before and after consultations, Rat Snake meditation, and Rat Snake crystal). For more information, go to Services: Animal Empowerments.
Purchase books on rat snakes from Amazon.com
Trans-Pecos Rat Snake Photo courtesy of WhoZoo.
Va. Carper
September 5, 2005