Rat Snake Hunting in the Trees

This Rat Snake had no problem making its way through the trees when I encountered it on a hike in Central Virginia.

Rat Snake Resting on a Branch

The Rat Snake is quite a capable climber.  This individual took to the trees when we met each other on a lakeside trail in Central Virginia.  It seemed to be just as happy making its way through the branches as it was winding across the forest floor.

Don’t Come Any Closer

When I first saw this Rat Snake it was on the ground, just a few yard ahead of me on a small, little used, lakeside trail.  I turned, took a few steps back, dropped my backback and got my camera ready.  When I turned back around it was gone.  In a matter of seconds it had disappeared into the forest.  “Oh well,” I thought, “that’s how they survive.”

I remained in the area to photograph some other things.  When I was getting ready to leave I noticed the snake had climbed a nearby tree and was just relaxing there.  Of course I approached, camera in hand.  As I got close, the snake showed its typical Rat Snake attitude by coming straight toward me.  When it was about 3 or 4 yards away, it struck this classic “don’t come any closer” pose.  It remained that way until I backed off.  At which point it turned around and went the other way.  Rat Snakes are not venomous but they definitely show no fear.  Every time I’ve encountered one up close, they have come toward me, almost daring me to see how close they will get.