Huge Rat Snake Stops Traffic on Missouri Gravel Road

I've lived in Missouri most of my life and have seen my fair share of snakes, but I've never witnessed a reptile quite like the one a Missouri guy just captured on video. It has to be one of the longest rat snakes ever and it was spotted crossing a dirt road in the country.

Take a look at what was just shared as a short video on YouTube by Leanin Swerve. This rat snake looks like it's easily longer than 8 feet which would nearly be a record.

What is the longest rat snake ever recorded in Missouri?

According to Wikipedia, the rat snake's scientific name is Pantherophis obsoletus which is why I'm gonna keep calling it a rat snake. The record total length is 8 feet 5 inches which means this bad boy in Missouri is close to being a record-holder.

Are rat snakes in Missouri dangerous?

No, not at all. The rat snake is one of the longest non-venomous snakes in America and a vital part of the ecosystem in the state. They can become aggressive if cornered, but are not a danger to humans. Rat snakes can do a great job controlling the mice population, but sometimes become prey for hawks. They also can be mistaken for rattlesnakes as they will shake their tail if approached, but this long snake is a real cream puff compared to their venomous cousins.