(WJW) — “Wow, what a find!”
That’s what the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said about a recent video showing Ohio’s largest snake species slithering across a trail in Hocking Hills State Park.
The video, which was shared on the ODNR Facebook page, shows the nearly 6-foot snake making its way across the Gorge Trail. You can see it out in the video player above.
RECALL: Pet food could cause sickness, FDA warns
Wildlife experts identified the snake as a Gray Ratsnake, formerly known as a Black Ratsnake. It’s Ohio’s largest snake and can grow to be 8 feet long. The snakes are common in the Buckeye State, but not always easily spotted. Experts explain that when the snake is first encountered, most freeze in position, blending in with their surroundings.
The gray ratsnake can be found throughout most of Ohio, except in the northwestern portion of the state. If you’d like to learn more, check out the Ohio Division of Wildlife‘s Reptiles of Ohio field guide.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Comments