Herpetofauna: One Life's List

Pantherophis bairdi
Baird's Rat Snake

Val Verde Co., Texas. May 19, 1999.

The colors of Pantherophis bairdi are subtle, and out of the sun this snake has a somewhat drab appearance. A closer look reveals a serpent of great beauty, with scales that reveal iridescent colors as the angle of light changes.

Out in west Texas, these creatures inhabit the riparian habitat alongside the few rivers that flow through this country.  This beautiful female was found on the road a short distance from a river bridge.