White Bellied Black Snake Photograph by Andrea Silies from fineartamerica.com

What You Need to Know About the Snake With a Black and White Belly

Introduction

The sight of a snake with a black and white belly can be striking, and a bit intimidating. But fear not, these snakes are generally harmless and can be quite interesting to observe. In this article, we'll look at the various types of snakes that have black and white bellies, their diet and habitat, and how to handle them properly if you encounter one in the wild.

Types of Snakes With Black and White Bellies

One of the most common types of snakes with black and white bellies is the corn snake. Corn snakes are native to the southeastern United States and are nonvenomous. They can grow up to five feet in length and their bodies are typically colored yellow, orange, and red, with black or dark brown patches along their backs. They have white bellies with black spots or stripes.

Another type of snake with a black and white belly is the gopher snake. Gopher snakes are native to the western United States and can grow up to six feet long. They are typically colored yellow, brown, or beige, with dark brown, black, or tan stripes along their backs. Gopher snakes also have white bellies with black spots or stripes.

The rat snake is another type of snake that has a black and white belly. Rat snakes are native to the eastern United States and can grow up to five feet in length. They are typically colored gray, brown, or black, with dark brown, black, or tan stripes along their backs. Rat snakes have white bellies with black spots or stripes.

Diet and Habitat

Snakes with black and white bellies are usually predators, and they feed mainly on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. They can also eat insects, amphibians, and fish. They live in a variety of habitats, such as forests, fields, deserts, and even suburban backyards.

Handling

If you encounter a snake with a black and white belly in the wild, it is important to remember that it is a wild animal and should not be handled or disturbed. If you must handle it, use extreme caution and make sure that you are wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and long pants.

Conclusion

The sight of a snake with a black and white belly may be intimidating, but it is important to remember that these snakes are generally harmless and can be quite interesting to observe. By familiarizing yourself with the different types of snakes with black and white bellies, their diet and habitat, and how to handle them properly, you can enjoy these creatures from a safe distance.