The Rat Snakes or Colubers 



River and southward to the Gulf of Mexico. 1 1 is most abun- 

 dant in the extreme Southeastern States. 



Habits. — Like the other species of this genus, the G)m 

 Snake is an agile climber and often ascends small trees in quest 

 of young birds, of which it is ver)' fond. It also feeds largely 

 upon small rodents, such as rats, mice and small rabbits and in 

 consequence is a useful reptile. In captivity it always shows 

 an especial fondness for mice, which it will take in preference 

 to all other food. 



This snake does not appear to be so arboreal in habits as 

 some of the allied species. The majority of the specimens col- 

 lected by the writer were on the ground; some lying in hollow 

 logs and others hiding in the shrubbery. While pursuing a 

 sand Hzard into some bushes, the writer discovered a large spec- 

 imen in the act of devouring a quail, which it had undoubtedly 

 stalked from the undergrowth in which the snake had been 

 secreted. 



When surprised, the Com Snake does not ordinarily tr)' to 

 get away, but partially coiling, strikes quickly and viciously, 

 uttering, at each stroke of the head, a sharp, short hiss. In 

 fact, these snakes and the related species are not able to get 

 over open ground with any great show of speed. If foraging, 

 and the enemy is sighted from a distance, they will invariably 

 glide for safety, making for the nearest brush, but if coiled, they 

 do not generally attempt to escape. Either lazy or imagining 

 quiet is a better safeguard than flight, they lie alert, with quiver- 

 ing tongue, watching developments. Generally speaking, the 

 Com Snake and its allies are bold and powerful reptiles, showing 

 considerable bravery when cornered, and little of the hysterical 

 rush and fluster of most snakes when taken unawares. 



The species receives its name from a habit of frequenting 

 fields of growing com. Its presence there is significant when 

 we consider that numerous rodents collect in such places to 

 feed upon the grain. In some localities the reptile is regarded 

 as useful and harmless, and its life is generally spared. In one 

 district of this kind, the species was known as the "mouse 

 snake." Many specimens were unearthed by the ploughs, during 

 the early spring, showing that in this area — Hampton County, 

 South Carolina — these serpents passed the mild winter in burrows 

 in the fields. 



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