Confusing Species
There are a number of other boldly blotched snakes in eastern Canada, notably the Northern Water Snake, Eastern Hognose Snake and the Fox Snake. Only the Water Snake also has blotches ringed with black. The Water Snake is generally not as boldly coloured as the Milk Snake.

Distribution
The Milk Snake has one of the widest ranges of any snake in North America. In Canada it is limited to southern Québec and Ontario south of Lake Superior. It is found across the eastern half of the USA and as far south as Ecuador.

Habitat
The Milk Snake lives in a variety of habitats. In Canada they are often found around forest edges and agricultural areas.

Reproduction
Mating occurs in the spring. Females lay 3-24 elliptical eggs, often in rotting logs or the burrows of small mammals. The eggs hatch in 7-10 weeks. Individuals take 3-4 years to mature.

Natural history
The Milk Snake gets its name from its association with barns. It was believed that it sucked milk from cows. In fact, the Milk Snake is a constrictor -- it seizes prey in its mouths and coils about the prey until it is suffocated. It mainly eats small mammals and that is one reason it is often seen near barns. It will also eat birds and other snakes. Predators include raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes. When disturbed, it will vibrate its tail, which can sound like a rattlesnake. The Milk Snake hibernates underground, in rotting logs, or even in the foundations of old buildings. It is unclear how long the Milk Snake can live in the wild, but one snake caught as an adult lived another 21 years in captivity.

Conservation Concerns
The Milk Snake is often a victim of traffic mortality. As a result of vibrating its tail when disturbed, many have been killed intentionally, because it was believed to be a rattlesnake. Overall, it is considered widespread and abundant in both Canada and the USA.