Elaphe schrenckii is a nonvenomous Colubridae (Colubrid) species found around North East Asia (China, Korea, Russia, Mongolia). This a relatively large colubrid, but due to its lack of colour and beauty and despite its gentle temperament is not a very popular snake for keepers. It is commonly known known as the Manchurian Black Racer, Amur rat snake, Siberian rat snake, Russian rat snake, or Manchurian black water snake. As the name suggest they are excellent swimmers and they are also excellent climbers. The name comes from Manchuria the region of Asia in which the snake is found. Although very similar Elaphe schrenckii is NOT to be confused with Korean rat snake, Elaphe anomala which was once thought to be a sub species and came under the synonym Elaphe schrenkii anomala.