Western Fox Snake
The western fox snake belongs to the category of the rat snake. They have a docile temperament and usually do not attack without any reason. To confuse their predators, they sometimes exude a type of musk that is similar to red foxes and this is the reason they are known as fox snakes.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Squamata |
Suborder | Serpentes |
Family | Colubridae |
Genus | Pantherophis |
Scientific Name | Pantherophis vulpinus |
Other Names | Foxsnake or fox snake |
Size | 3-6 ft (91.44-182.88 cm) |
Color | Golden brown dorsals with deep brown spots and yellow pattern similar to a checkerboard |
Distribution | United States |
Habitat | Marshlands, pastures, farmlands, prairies, and open woodlands |
Diet | Rodents, frogs, birds of juvenile state, and eggs |
Hibernation | Throughout the winter |
Predator | Foxes, coyotes, and hawks |
Venom Fact | Non-venomous |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous |
Clutch Size | 7-27 eggs |
Average Lifespan | In the Wild: 10-12 years In Captivity: 17 years |
IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
Western Fox Snake Pictures Gallery
Published on September 4th 2019 by staff under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 4th September 2019.