Western Fox Snake Fact Sheet

Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Squamata
Family:
Colubridae
Genus:
Pantherophis
Species:
vulpinus
Life span:
12 – 20 years
Egg Gestation:
Females can lay 6 – 29 eggs that hatch about 2 months later
Number of young at birth:
6 – 29
Size:
3 – 5 ft long
Description:
Have yellow backs with large dark brown or black splotches. Their bellies are covered in black and yellow checks. Heads are red or orange in color.
Habitat: prairies, farm fields, and woodlands in moist areas near rivers or streams
Range: United States Midwest
Diet: Rodents, frogs, birds and eggs

 

Fun Facts:

  • The entire body of a snake is covered with scales, including its eyes. Because of this snakes have no eyelids and cannot blink or close their eyes.

  • Fox snakes will emit a musky odor when disturbed. They also coil and vibrate their tails in leaves as to mimic a rattlesnake in order to scare away predators.

 

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