Eastern Fox Snake

Characteristics

The fox snake is a large yellowish or light brown in base color, with dark brown or black blotches down the back and sides. The head can sometimes appear to be reddish or orange, and the belly is a lighter yellow, checkered with black.

Behavior

Eastern fox snakes are generally considered docile animals. They do however; have several defense mechanisms which they will use if they feel threatened, at which time they may strike.  This is a constrictor, which means is wraps around the body of its prey and squeezes. 

Did You Know?  

• Many people get the fox snake confused with the venomous copperhead snake due to the reddish coloring of the head.

• When threatened, the fox snake vibrates its tail as a warning to potential predators, and the rustling of leaves beneath the snake mimic the sound of a rattlesnake.  

• The fox snake comes by its name because of a musty secretion it produces when threatened, which smells like that of a fox!

Our Animals

We have two fox snakes that call PPZ their home, one of which has been confirmed as a female, and she is over 13 years old.