Species Overview

Like many North American colubrids, Eastern Rat Snakes were first encountered in the hobby through wild collection before captive breeding became standard practice. Their relatively docile temperament (when properly socialized), moderate husbandry requirements, and impressive size helped them gain attention among herpetoculturists by the late 20th century. While not as prevalent as corn snakes, rat snakes found their niche among keepers who desired larger, visually striking colubrids that could also provide engaging behavior and presence in captivity

The scientific classification of Eastern Rat Snakes has changed notably over the past few decades as herpetologists refined our understanding of North American rat snake relationships. Historically, these snakes were placed in the genus Elaphe and considered part of a broad species often referred to as Elaphe obsoleta. Modern molecular studies revealed that New World rat snakes were distinct from Old World Elaphe, leading to the resurrection of the genus Pantherophis for North American species. This reclassification reflects evolutionary relationships based on DNA evidence rather than earlier morphology-based groupings.

Further refinements split the once broad P. obsoletus complex into several species. Today the Eastern Rat Snake is recognized as Pantherophis alleghaniensis, separating it from closely related taxa like the Central Rat Snake (P. spiloides) and Western Rat Snake (P. obsoletus). These changes represent important advances in scientific clarity, helping researchers, conservationists, and hobbyists better distinguish the biology and needs of each species.

Eastern Rat Snake

Pre-1900s
Eastern Rat Snakes are common throughout the eastern U.S., living in forests, farmlands, and human-influenced landscapes.

1960s–1980s
Wild-collected individuals begin appearing in the herpetoculture trade; keepers appreciate their size and temperament compared with other species.

1990s–2000s
Taxonomists increasingly recognize that rat snakes in North America differ from Old World Elaphe, leading to the use of Pantherophis.

2000s–2010s
Rat snake taxonomy is refined further, and Pantherophis alleghaniensis becomes accepted for the Eastern Rat Snake complex.

Species Timeline

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

“Black snake” photo credited to Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci (1966) in the archives of Unexpected Wildlife Refuge.