Critter Science

The eastern fox snake can be found around the northeastern portion of Canada and the United States, near the Great Lakes region. They prefer to dwell in forest edges, prairies, meadows, fields, open woodlands, pastures next to streams, marshes, and other wetland habitats. Due to stable numbers and no major threats, these snakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they are Endangered in Canada.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Pantherophis gloydi Weight: Up to 4.9 lbs. Length: Up to 5.5 feet Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These snakes are non-venomous colubrids (constrictors).

2.) They spend most of their lives in burrows. However, they are skilled climbers and swimmers.

3.) Eastern fox snakes are diurnal (active during the day).

4.) During the cold winter months, they will brumate ( hibernation for reptiles) in old or abandoned structures, burrows, and crevices.

5.) Like gopher snakes , if threatened, they will puff up and wiggle their tail in leaves to sound like a rattlesnake . They will also coil and sometimes even strike.

But wait, there’s more on the eastern fox snake! 6.) Generally speaking, fox snakes are peaceful and actually docile.

7.) A group of snakes is called a bed, den, knot, nest, or pit.

Did you know…? Their constriction is quite powerful and measures around 14 PSI+/-.

8.) The eastern fox snake preys on mice , rats , voles , moles , gophers , and even birds.

9.) Breeding season lasts between May – June.

10.) Females lay up to 29 eggs that hatch in up to 60 days.

11.) Skunks , raccoons , and foxes all prey on fox snakes.

Now a Short Eastern Fox Snake Video!

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Bird Quiz Reptile Quiz Cat Quiz Amphibian Quiz Dolphin Quiz toolTips('.classtoolTips5','

This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation: facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips19','

Reptiles undergo this type of dormancy during the late phases of autumn. They typically only wake up to consume water and then go back to sleep. Reptiles eat a great deal of food right before brumation since they can go for months without eating anything. This dormancy can last for about 8+ months depending on the age, health, and size of the reptile in question. This type of dormancy is typically begun by a decrease in daylight and with the onset of cold weather. Reptiles usually don’t brumate during the first year of their lives; rather they simply slow their movements and eat less.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

fox snake

The Eastern Fox Snake

The Fox Snake