Rat snake – Here in the Amazon jungle many snake species thrive
12 December 2025 (570 visits)Here in the protected Amazon rainforest of the Tambopata region of Peru, there is an incredible diversity of snake species. Studies in the forests where we offer our professionally guided jungle trips have indicated that we are home to at least 210 species of herpetofauna, including snakes, frogs and lizards.
In Peru as a whole, more than 200 snake species are known to thrive, with many found in our own Tambopata region, which is home to fascinating venomous and non-venomous snakes. While these species are often considered scary, they are as important to the delicate balance of the ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest as any other animal. Each species makes its own unique contribution to the complex web of life in the Amazon, and understanding and respecting these creatures is a key factor in preserving the natural beauty of our Tambopata home. With the help of our expert local naturalist guides, in complete safety, our guests can expect to observe snake species that may include vipers, boas, anacondas or coral snakes.
The rat snake or rabbit snake is a non-venomous species, characterized by its large size and its diet, which consists primarily of rodents and lizards, making it an ally when it comes to pest control wherever humans settle in the Amazon rainforest. Females are larger than males, growing up to 1.70 meters, or 5 feet and 7 inches, in length. Males tend to measure around 1.30 meters in length (4 feet and 3 inches).
It is a diurnal snake with primarily arboreal habits, mostly found foraging among bushes or small trees, although it is also frequently found on the ground. It compresses its prey before swallowing it. While it is considered harmless to humans, the rat snake can bite if it feels threatened, releasing a mild toxin. As a defense mechanism, it raises its head and neck, assuming an "S" position, opening its mouth wide and emitting a hissing sound, while inflating its neck.
