Description
Recently it was decided to split the two subspecies of
the Fox Snake into two species based on their differences. Only
the Eastern Fox Snake is found in Canada. It is yellow to light
brown with dark blotches down the center of its back. There are
two alternating rows of smaller blotches along the sides. It
commonly grows to 1 m in length and may reach up to 1.8 m.
Confusing Species
There are a number of other boldly blotched snakes in
eastern Canada. It may be confused with the Northern Water Snake, Milk Snake or the Eastern Hognose Snake. The Water
Snake
generally does not have bold blotches and the Milk Snake has dark
rings around its blotches. The Hognose Snake is most similar in
appearance, but it has an upturned snout.
Distribution
In Canada, the Fox Snake is only found in southern
Ontario. The entire distribution of the Fox Snake is limited to
the Great Lakes area and west to Indiana.
Habitat
The Fox Snake is limited to the shoreline areas of the
Great Lakes in Ontario. Within this area it is found in a variety
of habitats from fields and farmland to open forests.
Reproduction
Mating generally occurs in the summer. Females lay up
to 29 eggs, although 15-20 is the norm. More than one Fox Snake
will lay her eggs in the same spot, under logs or boards. The eggs
hatch in 1-2 months depending upon the temperature. Hatchlings
are 25-30 cm long.
Natural history
Although less arboreal than other snakes in their
genus, Fox Snakes can climb trees and have been found up to 10 m
above the ground. They are also good swimmers and have even been
observed swimming in the cold water of Georgian Bay. Fox Snakes
actively hunt for prey including small mammals and young birds.
Fox Snakes rarely bite if disturbed, however, they will vibrate
their tail in leaves which may simulate the sound of a rattlesnake.
This defensive strategy has frequently back-fired as people kill
them out of fear. Fox Snakes hibernate in small or large groups
underground in abandoned burrows or even the foundations of old
buildings.
Conservation Concerns
Fox Snakes have declined because of persecution from
humans. They are also prone to warming themselves on roads at
night, which often leads to their death. And their habitat is
threatened because of increasing shoreline development along the
Great Lakes. They are considered rare to uncommon in Ontario, but
are more common in the US. Eastern Fox Snake is designated
Threatened in Canada by COSEWIC.
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