Ambassador since 2010
Pantherophis spiloides
- Randy came to St. Charles from a reptile rescue in northeastern Iowa. He had formerly been on exhibit at a science museum, but was rehomed after trying to eat a tankmate. (Just one more reason why snakes should not be housed together.)
- Ratsnake taxonomy has undergone many changes in recent years. The species once called the Black Ratsnake is now known as Gray. Highly patterned as juveniles, they attain their solid coloration in adulthood. Gray ratsnakes in Illinois tend to be all black.
- Gray Ratsnakes are excellent climbers and often use their skills to scale trees and buildings, where they then hunt for birds, eggs and rodents.
- Mature Gray Ratsnakes measure 6 ft. to 7 ft. in length.
- It would be unusual to see a Gray Ratsnake in St. Charles, but the species is quite common downstate.