Eastern Foxsnake

K. Otterbein

Elaphe gloydi

With its copper coloured head people sometimes mistakenly call this snake a Copperhead, a venomous snake that does not live in Ontario.

Description

• Adult body length reaches 80 to 140cm (31 to 55 in.).
• Yellow or orange-brown background colour with dark blotches down back and sides.
• Belly is patterned like a yellow and black checkerboard.
• Copper-coloured head with little or no markings.

Food

• Young may eat frogs and insects, but adults prefer rodents and bird eggs.
• Foxsnakes are constrictors.

Habits and Reproduction

• Emerge from winter hibernation sites (a frost-free shelter such as mammal burrows or rock crevice) in mid-April.
• Usually return to hibernation sites by late September.
• Foxsnakes hibernate communally, sometimes in large numbers.
• If frightened it will vibrate its tail sounding similar to a rattlesnake. This snake is not venomous and will more likely musk than bite if handled.
• Can swim long distances.
• An average of 14 eggs are laid in late June and July under the protection of a decaying log or shallow burrow.
• Young hatch in late August or September. They are 23-26cm long, greyish with reddish brown blotches and a dark bar on the head.
• Females reach maturity in 5 years.

Habitat

• Rocky shores, beaches, and marshes.
• Generally found within 30 metres of Georgian Bay and unlikely to be found beyond 1km from the Bay.

Threats

• Habitat loss particularly of important habitat such as hibernation sites, road mortality and direct persecution are the greatest threats to this snake.
• The eastern foxsnake only occurs in 3 areas; approximately 70% of the population is in Ontario and there are remnant populations in northern Ohio and Michigan. It is considered a globally threatened species and its survival will be highly dependent on areas such as eastern Georgian Bay

Conservation Actions

• Please report sightings of foxsnakes especially if you notice areas where they are gathering in the fall.
• Watch out while driving. Far too many foxsnakes are killed along our roadways.

Range Map