The majority of the snake species found in North America belong to the family of non-venomous colubrids. North America is home to a vast range of snake species. Many of these snakes have patterns that are white or lighter colors on their black or extremely dark brown bodies. The process of becoming familiar with these animals may be a really intriguing one. There are several species of black and white snakes that may be found in the United States.
Gopher snake
This blotched brown and cream or black and white snake is endemic to western North America and dwells in a wide variety of environments, including woods, deserts, fields, and prairies. Its coloration may be described as either black and white or brown and cream. The length of these snakes may range anywhere from 6 to 9 feet, making them highly formidable. Gopher snakes can be easily confused for rattlesnakes due to the fact that their spotted scales superficially resemble those of rattlesnakes, and they also behave in a manner that is similar to that of rattlesnakes. However, solitary snakes like these play a crucial role in managing rodent populations, despite their tendency to conceal themselves from humans. Gopher snakes have nasty bites that they may deliver if they are startled.
California king snake
This subspecies of the common king snake, also known as the pet trade king snake, has a body that is black or dark brown with rings that are white or yellowish in color. Some of the specimens feature scales that are really stunning and have a high contrast. A few specimens lack their ring pattern entirely and instead have fractured white spots or stripes along the length of their body. When they are startled, California king snakes vibrate their tails in the same manner as black rat snakes. They could also curl up into a ball and make a loud hissing sound. The prey that this snake consumes consists of a diverse group of animals, including as rodents, amphibians, birds, insects, and even other snakes.
Eastern garter snake
This species of snake typically measures between 18 to 26 inches in length; however, there have been reports of extraordinary specimens measuring up to 49 inches in length. The bodies of garter snakes are typically dark grey to black in color, and they have three longitudinal stripes that range in color from pale yellow to white. A few species of unique snakes have bodies that are checkered and have a bluish or reddish tint to them. These snakes are active during the day and the night, and their diets include worms, frogs, toads, fish, tadpoles, and snails. They also devour young fish. They are not harmful to humans and can be found in places where there is a lot of water, such as along streams or ponds.
Black rat snake
The range of the black rat snake in North America extends from the east coast to the middle of the continent. It has a dark body with a white chin, however hatchlings may be pale grey with black spots on them instead. This snake will become darker with age, and it may reach a length of between 4 and 6 feet. Black rat snakes consume rodents of all sizes, including mice, tiny rats, and other species of rodents. In addition to that, they will devour juvenile birds, lizards, and frogs, as well as the eggs of these animals. This normally timid snake becomes completely immobile when it comes into contact with people. It is also possible for it to emit an offensive odor, and it may resemble a rattlesnake by rattling its tail in the leaves. If they feel threatened, black rat snakes may bite, although their bites do not do much harm.
Queen snake
The body of this rather short snake can be dark grey, black, brown, or olive in color, and it has a single stripe that ranges from white to yellow on its underside. It can grow to be between one and two feet long. The underside of a queen snake’s body is brownish-red and marked with two parallel rows of black dots. Crayfish make up the majority of the diet of these aquatic organisms, although they will also ingest fish, water bugs, and even tadpoles. They like to sun themselves near to the water behind rocks and logs. Queen snakes tend to be timid creatures and may be found predominantly in the eastern and central parts of the United States.
Southern black racer
The body of this snake is black, but the chin is white, giving it a similar appearance to the black rat snake. However, in comparison to rat snakes, black racers are often shorter and have a greater number of white patterns on their bodies. Juveniles range in color from white to grey and are spotted with brown or black. Although it doesn’t do much harm, this neurotic snake will bite if it feels threatened, even if it won’t do much good. When it gets startled, just like other species, it makes rattling noises with its tail, like rattlesnakes. Rodents, lizards, other snakes, birds, birds’ eggs, frogs, and other amphibians are some of the foods that black racers consume.
Gray rat snake
In addition to its lack of venom, this type of snake is well-known for its striking coloration. Its dorsal side ranges in color from dark grey to black, while its ventral side is white. The United States and Canada are home to a large population of snakes belonging to this genus. They love to live in wooded areas and ecosystems near streams. The snakes that belong to this genus are known for their dexterity. When it comes to the ability to scale trees in a short amount of time, they are one of the most easily identifiable species. They use their ability to climb in order to search for prey or to get away from prospective predators. The constriction technique used by snakes in this species allows them to consume a wide variety of birds and rodents.
Speckled king snake
The bodies of speckled king snakes are recognizable for their unique patterning. These speckles might be black and white or black and off-white, and they help to distinguish these snakes from others of their kind. On both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of these snakes, one can observe alternating patterns of black and white speckles. The nonvenomous Speckled King snake is native to moist environments such as rivers and marshes, where it can be found. It is well known that these snakes will utilize their constriction technique on lizards and frogs. They also employ other forms of self-defense against larger predators, like as emitting an offensive stench into the environment. There is a possibility that members of this genus use various strategies to deter potential prey.
Long-nosed snake
This snake is well-known for the black and red bands that run over its dorsal surface, as well as its white underside. Non-venomous Even though they are native to North America, most people do not know very much about long-nosed snakes. This snake leads a secluded existence since it spends the most of its time underground and only emerges from its den on occasion to hunt salamanders and other amphibians. It’s well knowledge that when their preferred food isn’t around, these snakes will resort to eating rodents instead. When people encounter this snake, they shouldn’t be concerned because it doesn’t know how to bite. To create the illusion that it is dead, it just employs simple tricks like leaking foul smells or blood.
Western massasauga snake
It is common knowledge that these snakes have dark brown or black markings on their dorsal surfaces, outlined in white, and have a faded grey look. The coloration of snakes belonging to this genus can exhibit subtle shifts depending on the habitat in which they live. In the winter, they can be seen most frequently in marshes; nevertheless, they are also widespread in prairies and forests. Because of the species’ high level of toxicity, handling it is not recommended. The Western Massasauga snake is classified as a rattlesnake, which means it is capable of utilizing its venom against a variety of rodents and other small animals.
