Are You Spooked by the Black Rat Snake?

Photo by Noah (Black Rat Snake Ambassador - James Webb)

5 Reasons These Beneficial Snakes Aren’t Spooky at All

Post Author: Kyla Atkinson

It’s that time of year when cobwebs, skeletons, and slithery creatures take center stage. But not everything that creeps or crawls deserves a scream! If you’ve ever seen a long, dark figure gliding through your garden or across your porch and felt a shiver run down your spine—you might’ve met a Black Rat Snake (also called the Eastern Rat Snake).

Before you run for the broom, take a breath… because these sleek serpents are far more helpful than haunting. Here are five reasons why the Black Rat Snake isn’t a Halloween villain—it’s actually one of your best garden allies.

1. They Keep the Creepy-Crawlies (and Rodents!) in Check

Black Rat Snakes are nature’s pest control—quietly managing mice, rats, and even small squirrels. Forget poison or traps—these snakes handle the job naturally, keeping the ecosystem balanced and your garden free from nibbling pests.

2. They’re Totally Harmless to Humans

Despite their size (they can grow over six feet long!), Black Rat Snakes are nonvenomous and gentle by nature. They’d rather slither away than cause a fright. If you see one, consider it a sign your environment is healthy and balanced.

3. They’re Masters of Disguise

That inky-black sheen? It’s their built-in Halloween costume. Their glossy scales help them blend into forest shadows, stone walls, and barns—keeping them hidden from predators and adding a touch of mystery to the landscape.

4. They’re Excellent Climbers (Yes, Even Up Trees!)

It might look spooky to see a snake scaling a trunk, but Black Rat Snakes are expert climbers. They often raid bird nests for eggs or simply seek the warmth of the sun on a high branch. Think of them as nature’s stealthy acrobats.

5. They’re a Symbol of Renewal

Each year, these snakes shed their skin—leaving behind the old and emerging shiny and new. In folklore and nature alike, that transformation is a powerful reminder of growth, renewal, and the beauty of change.

Don’t Fear the Slither

This Halloween, if you spot a Black Rat Snake, skip the shriek and tip your (witch’s) hat instead. These silent guardians of the fields are far from frightful—they’re a vital part of keeping nature’s magic in balance.

Happy haunting… and happy herping!