The pine forests of the southeastern United States support a number of cavity-nesting birds as well as several species of rat snakes (Pantherophis spp.). Rat snakes are well-documented nest predators, and nest predation of some of the region's cavity nesters is higher than in other areas. Picoides borealis (Red-cockaded Woodpeckers) and Melanerpes eyrthrocephlus (Red-headed Woodpeckers) invest substantial energy in excavating nest and roost cavities in particular trees, presumably to reduce snake predation. The abandoned cavities of these woodpeckers are important nest sites for many other cavity nesters and may provide protection from snakes. I examined the climbing ability of P. guttata (Red Cornsnake) on abandoned Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees and on barkless snags similar to those used by Red-headed Woodpeckers for nest cavities. Compared to snakes climbing on control trees, snakes (n = 9) either took longer to climb to abandoned Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavities, or where unable to climb past the resin barrier. Snakes were unable to climb barkless pine snags. Despite the fact that populations of both woodpeckers have declined, the concomitant reduction in cavities has not resulted in declines of generalist secondary cavity nesters.