A real estate showing at a vacant home in rural Arkansas took an unexpected turn when several black rat snakes were found on the property, including one at the front door that appeared to be trying to get into the home.
What happened?
According to KARK, as republished by NewsNation, local realtor Christopher White started filming the snakes after he spotted the animals while giving a prospective buyer a tour of the property.
The video, shared by KARK, showed snakes in several places around the home: one was pressed against the shut front door, others were hanging from conduit near the porch, and separate footage showed another moving through a partially dismantled outdoor breaker box.
Because the home was vacant and had no electricity, it may have offered an appealing place for the reptiles to settle. Quiet, undisturbed buildings can provide cover, warmth, and access to prey.
KARK reported that, although the site could be unsettling for any potential homeowners, black rat snakes are non-venomous and typically eat rodents and other small pest animals.
Why does it matter?
A human structure — especially one left vacant and partially dismantled — may have created ideal hiding places for snakes.
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That pattern extends far beyond Arkansas.
Vacant properties can become temporary habitat for wildlife, particularly when they contain gaps, debris, clutter, or damaged utility areas. Animals that inhabit human spaces can lead to safety concerns, unexpected repair costs, and the need for professional inspections before a sale can proceed.
What can I do?
If you encounter snakes on a property, experts generally advise keeping your distance and avoiding any attempt to handle or kill them. If the animals are in or around a home, contacting a local animal control officer, wildlife rehabilitator, or licensed removal professional may be the safest course of action.
Black rat snakes are protected wildlife that play an ecological role. KARK noted that it is illegal to indiscriminately kill the animals in the state, so prevention and relocation are often the best tools to keep snakes from human spaces.
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