Corn Snake


Scientific Name:
Pantherophis guttatus

Southeastern and central United States

Overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, palmetto flatwoods and old buildings and farms

Average Size:
4-6 feet long

Lifespan in Captivity:
Around 20 years

Population Status:

Wild: Lizards, small mammals, and ground birds
Zoo: Mice

Incubation: 10 weeks
Clutch Size: 12-24 eggs

In the wild, the colors and patterns are very similar to a Copperhead, however they lack the charateristic “hourglass” shaped spots, have much brighter colors and lack heat sensing pits.

Birds of prey, carnivorous mammals

About the Animal: Corn Snakes, or Red Rat Snakes, are very adaptable reptiles that inhabit a wide variety of habitats.  They are most often found in and around barnyards and old buildings where there is a steady supply of rodents to eat. This species is an adept burrower as well as an excellent climber. They are known for climbing to eat bird hatchlings and even bats.

The name ‘Corn Snake’ may come from the tendency to visit cornfields and grain sheds in search of mice, or perhaps from the markings on the body, which resemble the colors and patterns of ‘Indian Corn’ or maize.

During the cold winter months in the more northerly parts of it’s range, Corn Snake will hibernate.

Because of it’s docile nature and ease of keeping, Corn Snakes are popular pet reptiles. The are bred captively and can be found in a dizzying variety of colors and patterns

Reproduction: After mating, clutching occurs just over a month later. The female deposit 12-24 eggs in a nest and then abandons them. The eggs will hatch about 10 weeks later.

Amazing Information: When threatened, this snake vibrates its tail, much like a rattlesnake, in order to fool enemies into leaving it alone.  If cornered, they are capable of striking with impressive speed.