Texas Ratsnake

When threatened the Texas rat snake will freeze.  If this fails it will vibrate its tail to imitate a rattlesnake.  If harassed further it will strike.  If captured it will release a foul-smelling musk.

Texas rat snakes are excellent climbers and can scale brick walls and tree trunks.

HABITATPinelands, cypress swamp, marshland, farmland
DIETMice, rats, squirrels, birds, eggs, frogs, lizards
LIFE Expectancy10-15 years