The eastern ratsnake is our largest snake in Maryland and is a common visitor in backyards. This species has been recorded at lengths just over eight feet. The eastern ratsnake is a shiny black snake with weakly keeled scales and an irregular black and white checkerboard pattern on the belly. The chin and throat are cream or white in color. Juveniles look very different. They have strongly patterned backs of gray and brown blotches on pale gray. A dark black bar between their eyes extends just p