What Do Black Rat Snakes Eat?
Emily Cortez 
Learn What Black Rat Snakes Eat
Black rat snakes are also referred to as the western rat snake. Black rat snakes aren’t venomous snakes, which means they aren’t as dangerous as other snakes that do have venom. Interestingly, the reason why they are called black rat snakes is because they absolutely love to eat rats. Black rat snakes are carnivores; rodents are a big part of their diet. Black rat snakes aren’t a threat to humans; so don’t expect them to attack or eat humans. On top of that, they don’t have venom, which significantly reduces their threat to humans. However, the same can’t be said to other small animals, especially rodents. Black rat snakes will eat their prey by constriction. As you continue reading this article, you will be provided with more information on what black rat snakes eat don’t eat.
The Eating Habits of Black Rat Snakes
As it pertains to their eating habits, black rat snakes like to eat rats, mice, rodents, lizards, moles, frogs, and even chipmunks. The digest of black rat snakes is said to be very slow. As a result of this, it takes black rat snake days to fully digest their foods. So, this is why black snakes don’t eat often. In fact, black rat snakes only need to eat 1-2 times per month, which isn’t a lot at all; they can go weeks without eating anything.
Black rat snakes don’t eat copperheads, poisonous snakes, rattlesnakes, venomous snakes, or other snakes; they aren’t known to eat other snakes. Apparently, they get along with other snakes quite well and will even hibernate with them, which is quite interesting. However, black snakes do eat chickens, chicken eggs, birds, eggs, squirrels, rabbits, moles, fish, baby birds, baby chickens, chipmunks, cats, frogs, and toads. Additionally, black rats will eat snakes like cicadas, crickets, and caterpillars; they are more interested in eating larger insects as opposed to smaller ones.
