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 Critter Highlight - Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
Spotlight on Rat Snakes
Graceful, adaptable, and essential to their ecosystems, rat snakes are among the most fascinating reptiles in the Northern Hemisphere. These medium to large snakes play a vital role in nature by keeping rodent and bird populations in check—and often sit near the top of local food chains.
Known for their striking patterns and calm temperaments, many rat snake species—like the vibrant corn snake—have become beloved reptile pets worldwide. While they may act defensively if startled or handled too roughly, their bites are harmless to humans.
Interestingly, scientists have discovered that some rat snakes possess trace, harmless amounts of venom, overturning the long-held belief that they were entirely nonvenomous. When frightened, rat snakes typically freeze rather than flee—a behavior that sadly makes them vulnerable to vehicles on roadways.
Rat Snake Facts:
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The black rat snake typically grows around 4 feet (1.22 meters) long but can exceed 8 feet (2.44 meters)!
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Their tendency to freeze when scared frequently leads to road fatalities.
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They are semiarboreal, spending part of their lives climbing trees.
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In warm regions, they are mostly nocturnal, but still active during the day.
Beautiful, beneficial, and endlessly intriguing, rat snakes remind us how remarkable—and important—our slithering neighbors truly are.
For more information about these and other animals, visit the student safe resource: TexQuest (Login needed)
These long slinky critters are available from the Learning Alive Cooperative Material Center for a 2-week checkout.
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Product Spotlight - "Snakes of Texas" kit
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Explore the fascinating world of Texas snakes! Our featured “Snakes of Texas” kit is available for a 2-week classroom checkout—perfect for sparking curiosity and discovery. |
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This Month’s Spotlight Kit: “Snakes of Texas”
Get ready to slither into science! This 2-week checkout kit lets your class explore the fascinating world of Texas’s venomous snakes — their habitats, adaptations, and the myths that surround them.
What’s Inside:
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Transparencies and print materials featuring the four major venomous snakes of Texas, complete with facts and habitat details.
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Two engaging DVDs — including one on safe snake handling techniques.
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A colorful Venomous Snakes of Texas poster for your classroom display.
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Two fold-out field guides: Snakes of Central Texas and Snakes of South Texas.
What You’ll Learn:
Discover what makes each snake unique—where they live, how they behave, and why they’re so important to Texas ecosystems.
Busting a Few Common Snake Myths!
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“Snakes always travel in pairs.” ❌ False! You might see two together only during breeding season.
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“Cottonmouths can’t bite underwater.” ❌ False! That’s exactly how they catch fish and other prey.
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“Snakes won’t cross a hemp rope.” ❌ False! Snakes will cross anything they can move over.
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“Venomous snakes can jump two feet.” ❌ False! No legs means no jumping!
Bring excitement, curiosity, and a touch of the wild into your classroom with the “Snakes of Texas” kit — a perfect mix of science, discovery, and fun!
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Limited Edition Kits from the Barber Collection
 Coral Kit – Limited Edition Barber Collection
Dive into the fascinating world of corals—both ancient and modern—with this exclusive educational kit. The Barber Collection Coral Kit features beautifully curated specimens and resources that explore the diversity, structure, and history of coral life.
Kit Includes:
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Modern & Fossil Coral Assortment: A side-by-side comparison of coral specimens, showcasing their evolution and diversity. Agatized Fossil Coral Display: A stunning polished example revealing the intricate mineralized patterns of fossilized coral.
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Scleractinia Pocillopora (Stony Coral): A preserved example of the reef-building corals that shape tropical marine ecosystems.
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Grooved Brain Coral & Bleached Caribbean Maze Coral: Specimens highlighting coral morphology and the impacts of bleaching.
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Informational Displays: Colorful laminated cards and notes explaining coral anatomy, reef ecology, and fossil identification.
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Reference Book – Aquarium Corals by Eric H. Borneman: A detailed guide on coral selection, care, and natural history.
This limited-edition kit provides a hands-on look at coral biodiversity, perfect for classroom use, museum display, or marine science enthusiasts. It connects geology, marine biology, and environmental science in one captivating educational experience.
Order through the Learning Alive Order Platform using keyword Limited Edition.
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Deliveries & Returns Information
Living materials are delivered weekly to schools within Region 20 by the ESC-20 Delivery Van. Schools outside of Region 20 that are not currently served by ESC-20 should contact their local Regional Service Center for delivery schedules and availability.
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