Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes
If ever there was a gentle snake species that could win over persons who fear them, the Trans-Pecos rat snake would top the list. This nocturnal desert species from the Big Bend area of Texas and southeastern New Mexico was popularized in the Carl Kauffeld book, Snakes: The Keeper and the Kept. With their golden yellow and brown colors, sweet dispositions, appealing faces, and medium adult size, the Trans-Pecos rat snake is just about the perfect reptile pet.
The H-shaped dorsal markings are a unique pattern trait of this rat snake. Normal phase male.
Blonde phase female.
I love everything about the Trans-Pecos rat snake, from it’s history in herpetoculture to the beauty of the iridescent head scales.
About This Project
The Trans-Pecos rat snake is being bred in many different color and pattern varieties, including some locality-specific forms. My pair are on breeding loan from my long-time friend Phil Black, and both are het for axanthic. To be honest, axanthic reptiles don’t do much for me. I lean strongly toward normal and blonde Trans-Pecos, and I like the River Road albinos a lot also. I will be working this project in these directions.