Great Plains Rat Snake 1. Elaphe emoryi from Starr Co., TX 2.
Dorsal color is light gray with brown, dark g ray, or olive blotches.
Ventral markings include checkered pattern of black on white and striping on the underside of the tail. These Rat Snakes are secretive but active in warm months. They are generally calm, but may strike if threatened. They feed on small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards that they kill by constriction. They are nocturnal and remain under the cover of logs and other debris during the day.