BPs are ambush-predators, so usually they prefer to attack from a protected "hiding place"- they don't actively hunt their prey.
When the rat got away from your snake, it might be because it managed to bite the snake & the snake loosened its grip- rats with eyes open can fight back, & they learn quickly to bite hard in self-defense. I'd get your snake on pre-killed rodents for the safety of your snake & for the humane treatment of the domestic rats (which are intelligent affectionate pets, in case you didn't know). The more times the rat gets away, the harder it's going to fight back ("experience" helps), & it's more likely to hurt your snake.
Rats have thick fur + skin that's a little loose, & they can squirm around to bite the snake, even if they lose the battle, & those bites can get infected & may even need medical intervention- so feeding dead prey is really for the best. Snakes may accept fresh-killed better at first until they learn, but f/t (frozen-thawed) can be warmed & wiggled just right from tongs so that most hungry snakes will grab & eat.
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