Idenitifcation
The
Western Fox Snake is a large snake, averaging 40 to 50 inches in length. Its
yellow-brown to tan body is patterned along its length by a row of dark brown
blotches on its back, alternating with smaller blotches on the sides. The belly
is yellowish to cream with scattered square dark blotches. Young fox snakes
are pale gray with the same dark brown pattern as the adults. Similar species
include: Bullsnake, Eastern
Hognose Snake, Eastern Milk Snake
Distribution and Status
The Western Fox Snake can be found in the northwest corner of Indiana. The species is considered uncommon within the state.
Ecology
The Western Fox Snake is a prairie grassland and farmland snake that prefers moist habitats to drier ones. It thrives in areas like fields and railroad right-of-ways. The Western Fox Snake preys mostly on small rodents that it kills by constriction. It may also prey on birds and their eggs. When threatened, it vibrates its tail. If the snake is in leaves, this vibration may create a sound similar to a rattle that often causes people to confuse it with a venomous rattlesnake. If cornered, this snake will coil, raise its head, and possibly strike.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499