Kenneth L. Krysko photos.
Scientific name: Elaphe obsoleta spiloides
Description: Average adult size is 36-72 inches (91.4-182.8 cm), record is 84.25 inches (213.9 cm). Adults are grayish with grayish-black blotches. The belly is sandy-gray with dark square blotches. The underside of the tail typically has 2 dark stripes. The scales are weakly keeled, and there are 25-27 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juveniles are similar to that of adults.
Gray rat snake: Left to right: Top of the head (notice
the large plate-like scales on the top of the head);
underside of the head (chin and throat).
Gray rat snake: Left to right: Side of the head; front
(face view) of the head.
Range: In Florida, it is found from the northwestern peninsula west throughout the panhandle. In the northwestern peninsula, it intergrades (interbreeds) with the yellow rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata). Adults of these intergrades may be gray with both black stripes and blotches. Outside of Florida, this subspecies is found from eastern Georgia west to Alabama and north to southern Indiana.
Habitat: Commonly found near pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, swamps, marshes, prairies, agricultural fields, and residential areas.
Comments: 
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The gray rat snake is primarily active at night. It is both a terrestrial
borrower and extremely good climber. It is found under rocks and boards,
and in trees under bark and within knot holes and palm fronds.
It feeds on lizards, frogs, rodents, and birds and their eggs.
It lays eggs. Breeding occurs from April-July, 5-27 eggs are laid during the summer, and newborns hatch from July-September.
Comparison with other species: The yellow rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata) has a pale yellow belly and underside of tail, and the adult is yellowish with 4 black stripes. The juvenile corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) is brownish with a checkerboard patterned belly.
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