Why is the common name "rat snake" highly accurate for mature *Pantherophis obsoletus*?
Answer
Strong preference for rodents like mice and rats
As the Western Rat Snake grows and increases in strength, its diet fundamentally shifts upwards in the food chain to reflect its increased predatory capability. The most defining characteristic of the adult dietary profile is a pronounced and strong preference for rodents. This includes readily consuming various species of mice and rats found throughout their habitat range. This significant reliance on rodents forms the bulk of the mature snake's caloric intake, making the common designation of 'rat snake' particularly apt for the larger individuals within the species.
Related Questions
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