Anyone ever seen a black rat quite like this?

[rlditmars]

Chris,
If its a juvi that is probably why the pattern is so visible. They darken as they grow until the pattern is only visible when you look closely. Basically it ends up being dark black on slightly less dark black. Hatchlings come out looking like a grey rat snake they are so light and the pattern so bold.

[ChrisS]

I hate to bust my own bubble but after looking him over, I'm pretty sure he isn't even a rat. I kinda feel like a dummy for getting over excited. But I'm pretty sure he's a black racer ( C. constrictor). Sorry for the momentary brain fart.

Here's a couple more pics if anyone wants to see them.

[RyanT]

You got it now, it's a Racer.

[gsarchie]

Yep, given the blotch count and the tail it isn't a black rat! Both black rats and racers have juvenile coloration and patterning that fades as they mature. Good looking snake! You still going to keep it even though it isn't a rat?

[ChrisS]

Yep, given the blotch count and the tail it isn't a black rat! Both black rats and racers have juvenile coloration and patterning that fades as they mature. Good looking snake! You still going to keep it even though it isn't a rat?

I doubt it. From what I've heard they can be very picky eaters. Some only eat insects and others only eat lizards. Not a task I want to deal with through winter. I will wait a couple more days and offer a cricket. If he takes it I'll keep him through winter to ensure survival, but if not I'll wait til the warmest day next week and release him.

[DemmBalls]

Yep looks like a juvie racer. I tried to keep one for a while. I was mean as hell and would not eat for me. I would set it free...Prolly best for the both of you. Cool snake though.

[gsarchie]

Well then I hope that he'll take a cricket for you! How big is the little worm?

[ChrisS]

He's about 12-14 inches and a little thinner than a pencil. He is mean as hell too. I got bit 6 times yesterday. And I was only handling for about 5 minutes.

[3skulls]

I always wanted to catch a little racer. Found an adult last year



Hope he eats for you!

[ChrisS]

I always wanted to catch a little racer. Found an adult last year



Hope he eats for you!

Nice find! And I've only ever found adults before yesterday (obviously lol). I hope he eats too.