
*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names: Texas Ratsnake
Subspecies: No subspecies recognized.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Primarily west of the Mississippi River.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Western Ratsnakes are listed as Least Concern based on previous taxonomy by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Western Ratsnakes do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have observed this species routinely in Lafayette Parish, Cypress Island Preserve (St. Martin Parish), Chicot State Park (Evangeline Parish), Kisatchie National Forest (Natchitoches Parish), and Palmetto Island State Park (Vermilion Parish). I also found a dark individual from Bienville Parish in 2015, a couple dark individuals from Black Bayou Lake NWR (Ouachita Parish) in 2016, and one from Loggy Bayou WMA in Bossier Parish in 2016.