Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpina)
  Nonpoisonous

Description: Dull yellow to light brown with 34-49 deep brown blotches along the back and sides. Anal scale is divided.

Habitat: Farmlands, prairies and woods near water, more of a wetland species than our other rat snakes.

Size: Typical adult length: 60-130 cm (23-51 inches); Maximum: 62 inches (Collins & Collins 1993).

Diet: Lizards, snakes, small birds and mice; kills by constriction.

Natural History: Normally hunts by day on both the ground and in bushes and trees. When disturbed, it often vibrates tail like a rattlesnake. When a Fox Snake is handled it will often release a foul odor. This smell as been likened to the musky smell of a Red Fox, hence the common name of this snake. Fox snakes will bite it handled, but are a bit more gentle than a Black Rat Snake.

Because the head of the Fox Snake is orange to orange yellow it may be mistaken for a Copperhead. This can lead people to kill this beneficial snake. Like the Black Rat Snake, this species consumes large numbers of rodents. Note that the ranges of Fox Snakes and Copperheads don't overlap in Nebraska.

Similar species:

  1. Bullsnake more boldly patterned on tail, look for nearly black rings contrasting strongly with tan background. Anal scale undivided.
  2. Great Plains Rat Snake has arrowhead pattern on head.
  4. Young Black Rat Snake (spotted when less than 3') very similar. For positive identification you have to count belly scales: 221 or more in Black Rat Snake; 216 or less in Fox Snake.