The leopard ratsnake is named for its distinctive pattern of red spots which cover the body which has a gray, tan or reddish background.

They are carnivores and as part of the colubridae family which means they have a very mild venom. This is not enough to subdue prey. Instead they constrict it similar to a python to capture rodents and birds.

In some parts of their range the leopard ratsnake is welcomed in to the homes of humans to help control the population of leopard ratsnakes.

They are currently believed to be common and to have a stable population but a threat is presented due to habitat loss from agriculture intensification.

Read on to learn more about these reptiles by reading on below.

Appearance

The leopard ratsnake is a brightly colored snake which comes in two different color morphs. One is the saddled and the other is striped. The scales across their body are smooth.

Their scale coloration is shades of gray, tan and red. The various areas of pattern may be surrounded by an area of black scales. A black band is present between the two eyes across the top of the head.

The round eye is orange with a round pupil.

An average leopard ratsnake measures 1m (3.25ft) long. Female leopard ratsnakes are typically larger than the males.

Diet

The European ratsnake is a carnivore. They will feed on small mammals, reptiles and birds. Adults primarily take rodents while young focus on small lizards.

The venom of the leopard ratsnake is very weak and as such they primarily constrict their prey to make it edible. They may enter the burrows of rodents to hunt for them.