Can't find an Eastern Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis Alleghaniensis)

[Snake523]

Hello! I've been looking for an Eastern Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis Alleghaniensis), but I've had no luck. I've asked many people, groups, pages and breeders. No one has any near me. I live in Sneads Ferry NC. I've looked in the woods, but I have only found Racers. Can anyone help me out and find someone that sells them in my area?

[eminart]

Black Rat Snake For Sale Online, Buy Now With UPS Overnight Shipping (http://www.reptmart.com/p-1027-black-rat-snake-for-sale.aspx)

[DDW]

Black Rat Snake For Sale Online, Buy Now With UPS Overnight Shipping (http://www.reptmart.com/p-1027-black-rat-snake-for-sale.aspx)

Not to sidetrack or anything, but do you have experience dealing with this site? (Just curious, looks like a good thing to keep for future reference) ^.=.^ I'm having a hard time deciding what site would be good to order from

Snake523: good luck finding your Eastern black rat snake:)

[eminart]

No, I don't know anything about that dealer.

[DDW]

Okay, no problem:)

[pet_snake_78]

I've purchased from them as was happy with the king rats they sent me. Probably better off buying than going with a field collected snake, black rats are not hard to catch though. Road cruising is a good way to find them, they will also sometimes turn up under tin and boards.

[DDW]

I've purchased from them as was happy with the king rats they sent me. Probably better off buying than going with a field collected snake, black rats are not hard to catch though. Road cruising is a good way to find them, they will also sometimes turn up under tin and boards.

Thanks:) (I wouldn't go wild caught regardless. Too many complications like diseases, parasites and such IMO in most cases)

[Snake523]

[Black Rat Snake For Sale Online, Buy Now With UPS Overnight Shipping[/url]

That goes to a Western Black Snake, I want an Eastern Black Snake. Thanks for the help though

[RAD House]

I actually bought a luecistic black rat snake from the same site and was very pleased with the transaction. I had a few special requests and they were eager to fulfill them. They even went so far to call me with a specific question. The girl I received from them was very healthy and has continued to be since. I have had some bad experiences with large online retailers but this one is a ok in my opinion.

[DDW]

I actually bought a luecistic black rat snake from the same site and was very pleased with the transaction. I had a few special requests and they were eager to fulfill them. They even went so far to call me with a specific question. The girl I received from them was very healthy and has continued to be since. I have had some bad experiences with large online retailers but this one is a ok in my opinion.

Awesome, nice to hear good reviews about sites before using them:) thanks^.=.^

[toddnbecka]

Chances are they're illegal to collect and sell in NC, check your local DNR website for that info. Here in MD you can do it legally if you have a permit to breed them in captivity, but they can't be sold in the surrounding states because they're a native (and therefore protected) species in PA, VA, WV...

[Roman]

I am certainly no expert on North American rat snakes, but according to the (German) Wikipedia the former species of Pantherophis obsoletus with several subspecies was divided into three species (Burbrink 2001). So the former subspecies Pantherophis obsoletus deckerti, Pantherophis obsoletus rossaleni und Pantherophis obsoletus quadrivittata are now placed in the new species Pantherophis alleghaniensis.

Unfortunately many shops still use the old notation (it has been only 15 years since the group was rearranged), so in order to get the snake you are looking for you should also search for

Pantherophis obsoletus deckerti (or even Elaphe obsoleta deckerti)
Pantherophis obsoletus rossaleni (Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni)
Pantherophis obsoletus quadrivittata (Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata)

Roman