This snake occurs throughout the eastern US, and is one of our most commonly encountered snakes. The young snakes are light gray with a distinct darker pattern, while the adults are darker, almost totally black. They feed on mice, rats, frogs, lizards, birds and bird eggs. They are good climbers and sill climb trees in search of food. Because of there preference for mice and rats they are commonly seen near human habitations. When threatened they will put on an aggressive show, vibrating their tail, hissing and lunging. However this is all show, they are not really dangerous and should be left alone.