Corn Snake

The Corn Snake is a common, non-venomous constrictor native to the southeastern and central United States, prized for its attractive coloration and calm demeanor. Its name may derive either from the checkerboard pattern on its belly, reminiscent of corn kernels, or from its historical association with corn cribs where it hunted rodents.

It is one of the most familiar snakes in North America, frequently encountered in agricultural areas, wooded edges, and even suburban settings.

• Base color ranges from orange to reddish-brown or gray, overlaid with large, black-bordered red, orange, or brown blotches down the back
• Belly displays a distinctive black-and-white checkerboard pattern
• Slender, moderately long body with smooth to weakly keeled scales
• Head only slightly distinct from the neck, with round pupils
• A dark, arrow-like or spear-shaped marking often present on top of the head
• Frequently confused with venomous copperheads, but corn snakes lack heat-sensing pits, have round pupils, and show more vivid blotch coloration

Highly adaptable, occupying pine and hardwood forests, overgrown fields, farmland, rocky hillsides, and abandoned buildings across the southeastern and central United States. Also common in suburban and agricultural areas where rodents are abundant.

Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, though also active by day, especially in cooler seasons. An excellent climber and burrower, often found in rodent burrows, tree cavities, or under debris. Feeds on rodents, birds, and their eggs, killing prey by constriction. Oviparous, laying clutches of eggs in warm, hidden locations such as rotting logs or leaf litter.