A Rat Snake is a Good Snake
Rat snakes are the most common large snakes encountered by people throughout North Carolina, measuring up to 8 feet in length. Most rat snakes in the Coastal region are black with a scaly body and wedge shaped head. Their bellies are a mixture of white and black checkered markings.
Rat snakes kill their prey by constriction and then swallow it whole. Their diets consist of small rodents such as mice, rats, moles, lizards, frogs and eggs. These snakes are excellent climbers that are able to scale brick walls or tree trunks without aid, but are commonly found around human dwellings or well established neighborhoods.
Also referred to as black snakes, they emerge from hibernation in March through May to seek out a mate in spring. Males use pheromones to initiate mating with females that pass through their territory. Females usually lay 12 to 20 eggs in a hidden area, under leaves or within a hollow log. Eggs hatch 65 to 70 days later, with females laying up to 2 clutches per year.
Rat snakes are historically shy and avoid confrontation, but will emit a foul smelling odor and strike when they feel threatened. These non-venomous reptiles are appreciated by many, especially farmers, because they offer free pest management!
Sources:
http://herpsofnc.org/rat-snake/
https://belleislenaturecenter.detroitzoo.org (image)
http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-ratsnake/blackrat_snake.php (image)