Corn Snake (also known as Red Rat Snake)
Pantherophis guttatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: P. guttatus
Venomous Status
Non-venomous; lacks fangs and venom glands.
Danger Level
Harmless; they generally pose no threat to humans and prefer to flee or remain motionless rather than strike.
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States, ranging from New Jersey south through Florida and west into Louisiana and parts of Kentucky.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); however, they are frequently killed due to being mistaken for venomous copperheads.
Physical Description
Orange or brownish-yellow ground color with large, black-edged red or orange blotches (saddles) along the back. The belly typically has a distinctive black and white checkerboard pattern. Head is relatively narrow with a 'V' or 'Y' shaped mark on top. Pupils are round.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the photo appears to be an adult, approximately 3 to 4 feet in length. Species typical range is 2 to 6 feet (61–182 cm).
Habitat
Found in overgrown fields, forest openings, palmetto flatwoods, and abandoned buildings. They are proficient climbers and often found in pine-oak forests from sea level to about 6,000 feet.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and secretive. Primarily crepuscular or nocturnal during hot months, but active during the day in cooler weather. They are famous for their climbing ability and may vibrate their tails when threatened to mimic a rattlesnake.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers that primarily eat rodents (mice, rats), but also consume birds, eggs, and occasionally small lizards or amphibians. They kill prey through constriction.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 10 to 30 eggs in early summer, which hatch in late summer or autumn. No parental care is provided after laying.
Venom & Safety
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
First Aid Advice
If bitten, wash the wound with soap and water to prevent infection. No medical intervention is required for venom as the snake is harmless, but ensure tetanus shots are up to date if the skin is broken.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the venomous Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), which has hourglass-shaped bands rather than blotches and vertical pupils. Also resembles the Eastern Milk Snake, which has a different 'U' or 'Y' mark on the head and smoother scales.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); however, they are frequently killed due to being mistaken for venomous copperheads.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued in the pet trade for their calm temperament and variety of color 'morphs.' Ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations near agricultural settings.
Notable Features
Often found near corn granaries (hence the name), where they hunt the rodents drawn to the corn. Their belly pattern resembles Indian corn, which is another proposed origin for their common name.