Eastern Fox Snakes in Ohio

The eastern fox snake's scientific name is the Pantherophis gloydi. It lives in the grasses and trees of Ohio in addition to Michigan and Ontario. It has long enjoyed the distinction of being the largest snake in Ohio. Although it is quite harmless to humans, it occasionally frightens people enough to cause harm to itself.

  1. Identification

    • Sporting a golden brown body with a dark strip down the middle, the eastern fox snake runs about 5 to 6 feet long. The underbelly shows rows of dark splotches along a yellow background, and the head can be yellow, copper or even red. Younger snakes are characterized with a lighter color with gray or brown splotches that have black outlines.

    Location

    • Located in the marshes of Lake Erie, the eastern fox snake lives mostly in grassy areas such as farm fields where it can find small animals such as mice or other rodents to eat. The eastern foxsnake can easily climb trees to hunt for birds. Sometimes found swimming, this snake mostly sticks to the ground. As a constrictor, this snake will kill its prey by wrapping itself around the prey, causing the heart to stop or suffocating it.

    Hibernation and Procreation

    • During the cold months, it will dig deep into the ground and hibernate, emerging in the spring to mate when the weather warms up. In June and July, the female lays her eggs, and the offspring will hatch in August to October. The young hatchlings are about 10 to 13 inches when they emerge from the eggs.

    Conservation

    • According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has listed the eastern fox snake as a "Species of Concern," and as such it is protected by the state of Ohio. It is often mistaken for a rattlesnake due to its copper-colored head and tail vibration when it feels threatened. This case of mistaken identity can lead some people to kill it in fear, even though it is harmless to humans. When threatened, the young snakes may strike out, and the adults may spray a musky-smelling secretion.