Types of ratsnakes

Bogertophis is a genus in the family Colubridae, the largest snake family, which holds most of the world's harmless to mildly venomous species. The genus contains just two recognized species, the Trans-Pecos ratsnake (Bogertophis subocularis) and the Baja California ratsnake (Bogertophis rosaliae). Both were once grouped with the larger ratsnake genus and were later separated into their own genus, named after the herpetologist Charles M. Bogert. They are arid-land specialists, which sets them apart from the woodland and farmland ratsnakes most people picture.

These are medium-sized, slender snakes with notably large eyes, a feature tied to their nocturnal habits in hot, dry country. The Trans-Pecos ratsnake ranges across the Chihuahuan Desert region of west Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico, where it favors rocky desert, canyons, and scrub. The Baja California ratsnake occupies the Baja peninsula and far southern California in similarly dry, rocky terrain. In general terms, members are recognized by their slim build, broad head, prominent eyes, and a body that is patterned in the Trans-Pecos species (tan with H-shaped dark blotches) or fairly plain in the Baja species. Like other colubrids, they are active hunters rather than ambush predators.

Both species are harmless to people. They are non-venomous constrictors that subdue prey such as rodents, bats, lizards, and birds by coiling, and they reproduce by laying eggs as is typical for ratsnakes. They pose no medical danger, though any snake can bite defensively and a wild bite should be cleaned and watched for infection. If you are ever unsure whether a snake is venomous, do not handle it; leave it alone and, for any bite you are worried about, contact emergency services or US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.