Chicken snake is a common name for several non-venomous snake species, most often referring to the Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis). These snakes are often found near human habitation, leading to their nickname. However, accurately identifying a snake is crucial for safety and conservation. This guide will help you distinguish a chicken snake from other similar species.
What are the Physical Characteristics of a Chicken Snake (Eastern Ratsnake)?
The Eastern Ratsnake, the snake most commonly called a "chicken snake," boasts several key characteristics:
- Size: They are large snakes, often reaching lengths of 4 to 6 feet, with some exceptionally large individuals exceeding 7 feet.
- Color and Pattern: Their coloration is highly variable depending on location and age. They typically exhibit a pattern of dark brown, gray, or black blotches along a lighter gray, brown, or tan background. These blotches may be more or less defined. Juvenile Eastern Ratsnakes often display a much brighter coloration, sometimes with a reddish or orangish hue.
- Body Shape: They have a long, slender, and somewhat muscular body. Their scales are smooth.
- Head Shape: Their head is relatively small compared to their body, and slightly wider than the neck. They lack prominent heat-sensing pits found on the faces of pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths).
- Eyes: Their eyes are round with round pupils.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Chicken Snake and Other Snakes?
Many snakes share similar appearances with chicken snakes, leading to potential confusion. Here are some key differences:
1. How do I distinguish a chicken snake from a venomous snake?
This is the most crucial distinction. Venomous snakes like copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes possess several characteristics that Eastern Ratsnakes lack:
- Heat-sensing pits: Venomous pit vipers have heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils. Chicken snakes do not.
- Triangular head: Pit vipers often have a triangular-shaped head, wider than the neck. While a chicken snake's head is slightly wider than the neck, it’s not as dramatically triangular.
- Elliptical pupils: Pit vipers have elliptical (vertical slit) pupils, while chicken snakes have round pupils.
- Rattles: Rattlesnakes are easily identified by their characteristic rattle at the end of their tail.
If you are unsure if a snake is venomous, maintain a safe distance and contact a local wildlife expert or animal control.
2. What's the difference between a chicken snake and a black rat snake?
The Black Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus ) is a close relative and often confused with the Eastern Ratsnake. The main differences include:
- Coloration: Black Ratsnakes, as their name suggests, are typically black or very dark gray, lacking the distinct blotches of the Eastern Ratsnake. However, younger Black Ratsnakes might show some pattern.
- Geographic Range: Their geographic ranges overlap, but there are distinct areas where one is more common than the other.
3. Is a chicken snake the same as a corn snake?
While both are non-venomous and popular as pets, corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are smaller and have distinct markings. Corn snakes usually have a more defined pattern of reddish-brown saddles on a lighter background. Their size and pattern are quite different from chicken snakes.
What are the Behaviors of a Chicken Snake?
Understanding their behavior can also help with identification. Eastern Ratsnakes are generally:
- Nocturnal: More active at night.
- Arboreal: Often found climbing trees and shrubs.
- Non-aggressive: They are not typically aggressive towards humans, but they will bite if threatened or cornered.
- Excellent climbers: They are agile climbers, and can be found in trees or buildings.
What should I do if I encounter a chicken snake?
If you encounter a snake that you believe might be a chicken snake (or any snake), observe it from a safe distance. Avoid making sudden movements or trying to handle it. If it is in a location where it poses a risk, contact animal control or a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Remember, many snake bites happen when people try to capture or kill the snake.
This guide provides information to aid in identification, but if you are still unsure, consulting with a local herpetologist or wildlife expert is always the best option. Accurate identification is crucial for both your safety and the well-being of the snake.
