Species Notes based on experiences:

This species has now been rolled into the Central Rat Snake (Pantherophis spiloides) along with the central northern range of the Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus obsoletus). This seems counter intuitive to the standards the hobby understands as each type of Rat Snake. I intend to cover the snakes of the ‘obsoletus’ group as they are represented in the hobby. Grey Rat Snakes are lovely looking snakes. Even the though the palette of colours is far more muted than the Eastern Race I much prefer the many shades of greyscale. A particularly pleasing form is known as Oak or Light Oak Phase where a lot of white is carried along with the greys. Grey Rat Snakes are elongate but relatively slender built snakes compared to some of their cousins. Where the Eastern extreme of its range and the Western extreme of the Yellow Rat Snakes range meet they inter-grade. Some keepers consider these a separate race; the Gulf Hammock Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus williamsi)
 
Score analysis:

Temperament of Grey Rat Snake for the most part is very good. This is a patient snake and makes a good species to handle. Babies occasionally may be defensive and rattle their tail through fright. IF particularly threatened they may raise the front of their body into a series of S’s. This is not a snake that is quick to bite however and would much rather wriggle and try to escape your grip. These behaviours are fleeting and animals will usually calm down well. Grey Rat Snakes may not be as naturally tame as the Yellow and Everglades Rat Snakes but seem one of the most willing to calm down once handling sessions begin.   

Territory disputes are more likely to occur than temperament issues. Regardless of how long you have had your Rat Snake they never seem fond of being disturbed and can be quite grumpy about it. This may involve darting to the other end of the enclosure or rattling their tail loudly in the substrate. Whilst this isn’t really a hissing snake they make their displeasure known by raising the front 1/3 of their body into a series of ‘S’s. The head may also be flattened. This is nearly always bluff. Once removed from the enclosure many of these behaviours will abate almost immediately.  

Grey Rat Snakes have proven in captivity to be as tough as its ‘obsoletus’ cousins. It has been imported in both captive bred and wild caught form for almost 40 years. Over this time it has not been known as a delicate or even needy snake. Northern elements of the range would endure harsh winters where night time lows could drop below freezing.

Mature Grey Rat Snakes are usually from 5.5-6.5ft in length. Exceptional animals may well exceed this. This is a lean and athletic looking snake. Older animals may become heavy built but this is usually 6-8 years into life. It is an active snake that likes to climb and investigate its enclosure. Provision of climbing apparatus would be recommended. This is a strong snake however and will feel more powerful than a Corn Snake of the same length. With this species it would be imperative that younger keepers meet the baby snake first prior to purchase to ensure it is calm and manageable. Grumpy examples do exist.

All North American Rat Snakes have a superb appetite. They will accept a range of prey items and grow rapidly. Care must be taken not to create obese animals as they are also willing to feed too well. Of all the things that could go wrong with a pet snake. A rat Snake and its love of food will not be one of them.   

Enclosure recommendations:

Tub:
    This species is not suitable for keeping in a tub long term

Vivarium:
    120cm x 60cm x 60cm

Budget rig: -
    60cm x 30cm heat pad
    On / off thermostat
    Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
    Warm hide
    Cool hide
    Water bowl
    substrate

Recommended rig (vivarium only): -
    250w ceramic heat emitter
    Ceramic lamp holder and bracket
    Bulb guard
    Day night thermostat
    Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
    Various logs and caves along the thermal gradient
    Damp hide (optional)
    Climbing and exercise branches
    Plants and foliage (live or artificial – your choice)
    Water bowl
    Substrate
    UVB light (8w T5 shade dweller 7% kit from Arcadia or equivalent) (optional)
    Subterranean section to vivarium for further psychological security (optional)

Climate analysis:

Climate reflect two separate zones; the northern range and the coastal southern range. Northern animals will have to endure winter night time lows that regularly approach or pass freezing. These animals would brumate for 2-3 months until more clement weather resumed. To the south the Gulf of Mexico helps keep temperatures more buoyant and as a result merely a reduction in active hours of the day may be seen. In captivity it is nearly always fruitful in the UK to brumate animals for winter for breeding purposes. This helps to bolster sperm production in males. A period of around 2 months at 15°c will be fine. Stop feeding during this period.     

Conclusion:

A superb pet snake that has been kept for 40 years or more in captivity. They are great feeders, resilient and strong snakes that will tolerate the odd faux pas on the keeper’s side without falling ill. Grey Rat Snakes on occasion can remain defensive. Whilst we would not rule them out from being kept by younger keepers care should be exercised. Meeting a potential animal prior to purchase would be essential to ensuring a successful partnership between owner and snake