Popular Snake Breeds That Are Black

Beautiful Black Snakes to Know About

Black snakes are some of the most striking reptiles you will encounter. Whether you are looking for a pet snake or just curious about the dark colored snakes in your area, there are quite a few species that sport all black or predominantly black coloring. Some make wonderful pets, while others are wild species you might come across in your backyard. Here are some of the most popular and well known black snake species.

Black Snakes That Make Good Pets

Mexican Black Kingsnake

The Mexican Black Kingsnake is one of the most popular pet snakes for anyone who loves the look of a jet black snake. These snakes are solid black with a beautiful iridescent sheen that catches the light in shades of blue and purple. They are hardy, easy to care for, and tolerate handling well once they are used to it. Adults reach about 3 to 4 feet in length, making them a manageable size for most keepers. They eat rodents and have calm dispositions, which makes them a great choice for both beginners and experienced keepers.

Black Rat Snake

The Black Rat Snake (also called the Eastern Rat Snake or Western Rat Snake depending on location) is one of the most common snakes in North America. Adults are typically solid black on top with a lighter chin and throat. They can grow quite large, reaching 4 to 6 feet in length. Black Rat Snakes are nonvenomous and make decent pets, though wild caught individuals can be defensive. Captive bred specimens are usually much calmer and more handleable.

Black Ball Python Morphs

Ball Pythons come in hundreds of color morphs, and several produce dark or nearly black snakes. The Black Pastel, Super Black Pastel, and GHI (Gotta Have It) morphs are particularly dark. The Super Cinnamon morph produces an almost completely black snake. Ball Pythons are one of the best beginner snakes overall, growing to about 3 to 5 feet, living 20 to 30 years, and having docile temperaments that make them excellent for handling.

Black Milk Snake

Black Milk Snakes start life with vibrant red, black, and white banding that gradually darkens with age until many adults are almost completely black. This color change process is called ontogenetic melanization and is fascinating to watch over the snake’s lifetime. They grow to about 4 to 5 feet and do well in captivity with proper care. They can be a bit more nippy than some species as juveniles but usually calm down with regular handling.

Wild Black Snakes in North America

Eastern Indigo Snake

The Eastern Indigo Snake is the longest native snake in North America, reaching up to 8 feet. They are a gorgeous blue black color with an iridescent sheen. Unfortunately, they are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, so keeping them as pets requires special permits. If you see one in the wild (primarily in the southeastern United States), consider yourself lucky. They are nonvenomous and play an important role in their ecosystem.

Black Racer

The Black Racer is one of the most commonly encountered black snakes in the eastern United States. They are fast, slender snakes that can reach 3 to 5 feet in length. Despite their intimidating speed and tendency to flee quickly, they are completely harmless to humans. They do not make good pets since they tend to stay nervous and defensive in captivity. If you find one in your yard, know that they are beneficial since they eat rodents, insects, and other small pests.

Black Kingsnake

The Eastern Black Kingsnake is found throughout the southeastern United States. They are mostly black with faint white or yellow speckling that forms a chain like pattern. These snakes are famous for eating other snakes, including venomous species like copperheads and rattlesnakes. They are immune to pit viper venom, making them valuable members of their ecosystem. They grow 3 to 4 feet and are generally docile.

Black Pine Snake

Black Pine Snakes are large, powerful snakes found in the southeastern United States. They can reach 5 to 6 feet and are primarily black with some lighter areas. They are known for their loud hissing and impressive defensive displays, though they are nonvenomous and not aggressive toward humans. They are becoming rare in many parts of their range due to habitat loss.

Identifying Black Snakes Safely

If you encounter a black snake in the wild, the vast majority of black snakes in North America are harmless. However, some venomous species like the Timber Rattlesnake can have very dark coloring, especially melanistic individuals. As a general rule, observe any wild snake from a safe distance and never attempt to handle it unless you are certain of the identification. Most black snakes you will encounter are beneficial predators that help control rodent and pest populations.