Nature Find of the Week: Black Rat Snake 🐍 👀 You might spot this excellent climber stretched across a tree branch instead of slithering on the ground.

🧐 What it is: The Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is North Carolina's largest nonvenomous snake, often growing between 3 and 6 feet long. Despite its name, younger snakes have a gray body with dark blotches before turning mostly black as adults. 🌎 Why it’s cool: Black Rat Snakes help keep ecosystems in balance by feeding on rodents and other small animals. They're also skilled climbers, using rough bark and strong muscles to scale trees in search of bird eggs, nests, or a sunny place to rest. 🔍 Look for it: In forests, along woodland edges, around rocky outcrops, or even climbing trees. If you see one, give it plenty of space and enjoy observing this helpful native species from a distance. 💬 Have you ever spotted a Black Rat Snake in the wild? Tag us in your own #NatureFindsFriday post. We'd love to see what you've discovered!