Baird’s Rat Snake

Baird’s rat snake subdues its prey through suffocation.

Native to the Big Bend region, along the border of Texas and Mexico, Baird’s rate snake is considered to be elusive and hard to find in the wild. People are unlikely to ever encounter one by chance, but they can be found for sale in certain specialty pet stores.

They make interesting pets with a good lifespan, unique colors and markings, and overall easy care. Other common names for this species include Baird’s pilot snake and the Great Bend rat snake.

3 Amazing Baird’s Rat Snakes Facts

• This snake’s reproductive season takes place during the summer months. After mating, the female lays a clutch of up to 10 eggs, which take about three months to hatch. Males and females provide almost no care for their juveniles.
• The Baird’s rat snake can come in a variety of interesting color morphs, including melanistic (meaning it lacks black pigments), leucistic (white coloration with blue eyes), and pure albino. These color morphs are very rare in the wild but may be bred and sold in captivity.
• Baird’s rat snake relies heavily on its sense of smell to locate prey. Like many other snakes, it has an organ located on the roof of the mouth that specializes in sensing scent molecules. It gathers these molecules by flicking its tongue in the air.

Evolution and Origins

The non-venomous Baird’s rat snake (Pantherophis bairdi) is a native of North America. Around 145 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, the progenitors of today’s snakes first appeared, beginning the evolution and origins of this species.

The family Colubridae, which is the largest family of snakes in the world and has a vast number of species, includes Baird’s rat snake.

The species bears the name Spencer Fullerton Baird after the American biologist who made significant contributions to the early study of North American animals.

The Baird’s rat snake is now widespread throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States, where it serves an important ecological function as a predator for various species of rodents.

Where to Find Baird’s Rat Snakes

Baird’s rat snake can be found in the dry, rocky Big Bend habitat along the border between the United States and Mexico. When it isn’t on the hunt, the snake spends a good deal of its time hiding from predators. It lives in habitats remote and isolated from major population centers.

Scientific Name

The scientific name of Baird’s rat snake is Pantherophis bairdi. The genus name Pantherophis essentially translates from Greek to mean panther snake. This refers to the markings around the body of some species in this genus. The species was named after American naturalist Spencer Fullerton Baird in 1880.

It was once considered to be a member of the genus Elaphe, but after further scientific analysis, taxonomists moved the species to its current genus, where it resides along with the Western rat snake, Eastern rat snake, the fox snake, the red corn snake, the Great Plains rat snake, and other species.

Population & Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, Baird’s rat snake is considered to be a species of least concern. Population estimates are not available, but their numbers appear to be stable for now. It does not have many threats in the wild, but the geographical range appears to be somewhat limited.

Appearance & Description

In the wild, Baird’s rat snake is characterized by an orange, yellow, or salmon-colored back with four dark stripes that run along the entire length of the body (in addition to many unique color morphs such as albino). This is combined with a gray or yellow belly that darkens toward the end of the tail. Adults can grow anywhere between 3 and 5 feet in length.

Males and females are quite difficult to tell apart with a thorough examination. Juveniles look about the same as adults.

Here is how to identify Baird’s rat snake:

• Medium-sized body measuring about 3 to 5 feet long.
• Small head with little distinction from the neck
• Orange, yellow, or salmon-colored back
• Gray or yellow belly
• Four dark stripes along the back and sides

How Dangerous Are They?

Baird’s rat snake is a non-venomous species. Although it does have the ability to deliver a painful bite, they pose almost no danger to humans. If you ever happen to be bitten by one, then you should wash out the wound with water and soap to lower the chances of an infection. Unless the problem persists, however, medical attention is rarely required.

Behavior and Humans

In the wild, Baird’s rat snake is highly defensive in nature. While they would prefer to run away and hide, they will stand their ground and bite if threatened. Their most important means of defense is to mimic a rattlesnake by vibrating its tail and making loud noises. It also has the ability to release a potent-smelling musk that can cause nausea and sickness. Unless a female is laying her eggs, there are minimal behavioral differences from males.

Despite these potential issues, Baird’s rat snake is fine to keep as a pet, because, with enough time and regular handling, it can become docile and even pleasant around people. However, until your snake has become used to your presence, it is a good idea to wear a pair of gloves and handle it with a hook.

Even once it has become tame, one thing to keep in mind is that you should probably avoid handling your snake while it is shedding its skin. This is a very stressful period in the snake’s life, and it may become more willing to bite. If the snake is healthy, it should shed its skin in one piece with minimal problems, although it might need a water bowl to soak in.

1. Reptile Range, Available here: https://www.reptilerange.com/bairds-rat-snake-care-sheet/
2. Reptiles Magazine, Available here: https://reptilesmagazine.com/listings/snake-species/bairds-rat-snake/