Black Rat Snake

Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta

The black rat snake is the largest snake in Canada, reaching 1.6m in length. Its distribution is limited to five separate populations in Ontario's southwest. Small bird eggs and nestlings make up its food source, its predators inlcude mink and hawks. The black rat snake prefers a varied habitat that includes old fields and forest edges. It hibernates from october to april. Road-kill, human predation, and increasing cottage development are all threats to the black rat snakes survival. As a result, the snake is legally protected from killing, collection, or harassment, and a recory plan is in progress to help it survive.