@emre
Austin, TX
Pantherophis obsoletus
Western Ratsnake
The primary subject is a small snake identified as a juvenile Western Ratsnake (*Pantherophis obsoletus*). This identification is based on the distinct dorsal pattern of dark, squarish blotches on a lighter gray-tan background, which is characteristic of young individuals of this species. The slender body form and head shape are also consistent with a juvenile ratsnake. This non-venomous species is very common in the provided geographic location of Austin, Texas.
Overview
Conservation
Not evaluated
Pantherophis obsoletus, also known commonly as the western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, or simply black snake, is a nonvenomous species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to central North America west of the Mississippi River. No subspecies are recognized as being valid. Its color variations include the Texas rat snake. Along with other snakes of the eastern United States, like the eastern indigo snake and the eastern racer, it is called "black snake".
Read sourceObservation
Location
Austin, TX
Observed
September, 1:48 PM
Weather
Cloudy, 89F
Shared
September 26, 2026
Also known as
Taxonomy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Squamata
Order
Squamata
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Pantherophis