Rat Snake Question

[Anvilheadtexas]

Just saw on another thread a pic of a very pretty rat snake. These guys always spook ya, but they are good to have around to keep rats and mice at bay. The thread reminded me that the other day we were debating over HOW does a rat snake kill a rat....? Rat snakes are not poisonous and I assume (dangerous word) that they are not constrictors (as in boa). So how does a rat snake kill a rat that is armed with some pretty evil teeth itself?

Any of you snake experts want to enlighten me. We saw several up at my place in Polk County a week ago and they are still slithering around doing their job (one was in the barn which is good)!

[mgbuff]

i saw on the youtube they latch on and constrict i dont know why the video wont play on here

[jay07ag]

They do in fact constrict rodents and birds. Definitely a good snake to have in the barn!

[Anvilheadtexas]

I figured they might... I mean, how else would they kill a rat? These guys scare me when I see them, but I like knowing they are there.

[Buckshot4900]

Kill all those rat snakes and you'll be acquiring some bad snakes real soon.
I have a JRT that killed every rat snake on the place, now the copperheads are taking over.
BTW, I moved from there.

[Cajun Blake]

my son has a corn snake , similar species as they do constrict

if you're a PETA lover, don't watch this video
[ame="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gx0dp1zZiM"]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gx0dp1zZiM[/ame]