Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Yellow Rat Snake, Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata
Yellow rat snakes occur in Fort Matanzas National Monument's forested habitats (live oak hammock, cedar and cabbage palm forest, and slash pine and red bay woodland). It readily climbs in search of rats, mice, and birds. Young rat snakes forage for lizards on the rocky riprap leading to the Highway A1A bridge over the Matanzas River inlet and armoring the south beaches on Rattlesnake Island. Adults typically are 3-5 feet (91-152 cm) long and are yellow with four dark stripes.
Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Juveniles are gray with blotches.
