Corn Snakes in Colorado

Corn snakes -- also known as red rat snakes -- are one species of snake that exist naturally in Colorado. Corn snakes exist in the wild of Colorado, but are also a very popular pet for residents all throughout the United States. Learning about the corn snake and its life in Colorado can be beneficial to people who spend time in the wilderness or want to be more knowledgeable about Colorado wildlife. Corn snakes are not venomous like some other native Colorado snake species, and being able to tell them apart in the wild could save your life.

  1. Description

    • Corn snakes usually reach an adult length of 3 to 6 feet. They can be many different colors, but are generally red, orange, yellow or light gray with large spots down their back that can range from red to brown to yellow. The corn snake is known for its docile disposition, which is why many people choose to keep them as pets in Colorado and throughout the country. In captivity corn snakes can live to be well into their 20s, while in the wild they rarely live past 10 years old. Corn snakes are most active during the evening and morning twilight hours and throughout the night.

    Habitat

    • Corn snakes usually live close to the ground, although they are capable of climbing to great heights. Their typical choice of dwelling is in wooded areas of Colorado or in the rocky hillsides of the Colorado Rockies.While corn snakes do not burrow into the ground, they do enjoy hiding beneath objects and will burrow under loose wood or other materials. They flourish in the spring, summer and fall temperatures of Colorado, preferring temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They often spend the day basking in the sun to warm themselves in preparation for cold Colorado nights.

    Diet

    • Corn snakes are strict carnivores, meaning that they only eat meat. Smaller corn snakes will often eat the smaller prey of Colorado, such as salamanders, small mice and frogs. Larger corn snakes eat larger prey such as birds, rats and baby chicks. Corn snakes kill their prey first by wrapping their bodies tightly around it and then squeezing until it suffocates. Once the prey has died, the corn snake will eat the animal whole, usually eating it head first. Some corn snakes have been observed eating small, live prey, though typically they suffocate it first.

    Breeding

    • Corn snakes usually breed between March and May in Colorado. It takes the female corn snake approximately 30 to 45 days to lay her fertilized eggs. Corn snakes usually lay seven to 30 eggs per clutch, with 15 being the average. Females lay their eggs in areas that are hot and humid such as decaying tree stumps or rotting vegetation. Within 60 to 65 days, the eggs will hatch and the hatchlings will arrive ready and able to eat.