Eastern Fox Snake
(Elaphe vulpina gloydi)
Family:
Colubridae
Range:
Barely entering Canada (Ontario), south to Indiana and west to Nebraska.
Abundant in marshes and dunes bordering the Great Lakes. In Michigan may be
found from Saginaw Bay south along the coastal Great Lakes area to western
Lake Erie.
Habitat:
Marshland, grass prairies, agricultural areas and woodlands adjacent to streams
and brooks.
Diet:
Status: Threatened
Wild: Rodents, birds and their eggs. Captivity: Rodents.
Description: 3-5 ft long, the body is marked with patterns of dark blotches on tannish-yellow,
tan yellow or orange background. The Eastern Fox Snake has fewer but larger
and darker blotches than the Western Fox Snake (approx 34 vs. approx 40). It is
a non-venomous constrictor.
Lifespan: Not available.
Reproduction: Oviparous, laying 7-29 eggs in June or July. Hatching takes place late summer.
Young are similar to adults in appearance, but more boldly patterned.
Behavior:
Quick to defend themselves in standard rat snake fashion, with S-loop body
posture, open mouth and rapidly vibrating tail, they are often confused with
rattlesnakes. They gather in sizable numbers at favored hibernation sites,
abandoned rock-walled wells. The name fox snake refers to the fox-like odor they
discharge from anal glands when threatened. Numbers are reducing due to
habitat destruction and pet trade exploitation. In Michigan, it is illegal to posses or
handle this snake.
Our animals: One animal. Sex unknown. Born Jan 05.
09/08