This is Indiana’s Largest Snake, and Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared of Them

Let’s be honest, if you’re anything like me, the moment you see a snake, your first instinct is to run (and maybe scream a little). Whether it’s the size of a shoelace or looks like it just slithered out of an action movie, they all feel like anacondas when they surprise us in the backyard. But here’s the important truth: the biggest snake in Indiana is nothing to be scared of – in fact, it might even be your new favorite neighbor.

What Is Indiana’s Largest Snake?

Meet the Eastern Rat snake (aka the Black Rat snake). These guys may grow up to 7 feet long, making them the largest snake in Indiana. According to greennature.com, they are completely harmless to humans, and they actually do more good than you might think.

ALSO READ: Do You Smell Cucumbers? It Might Be This Venomous Indiana Snake

You’ll often find rat snakes in wooded areas, sometimes near homes, but there’s no need to panic or put your house on the market. Rat snakes are like the unofficial pest control of the animal kingdom, and their favorite meal is rodents. If you’ve got mice, these snakes are happy to take care of the problem. And if there’s nothing to snack on, they’ll simply move along - no drama, no danger.

What About the Scary Snakes?

Of course, not all snakes in Indiana are this friendly. There are 32 species slithering around the Hoosier state, most of which are totally harmless. But there are four venomous species you’ll want to keep an eye out for. If you’re curious (or cautious), it’s worth brushing up on those so you know what to avoid.

Get our free mobile app

Bottom line: the next time you spot a big black snake, take a breath. It might just be your rodent-busting, totally harmless Eastern Rat snake doing its job - like a good neighbor, just without the polo and khakis.