Eastern Milksnake
Eastern Milksnake
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum
Status: Special Concern
Habitat: Forest edges, overgrown fields, old barns.
Threats: Human Persecution, Loss of Habitat, Roads
Photographed: April 2024, North Pelham, ON.
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Story: Adam found this juvenile milksnake on the edge of the woods in rural North Pelham near a field in early spring, likely not long after it had emerged from its winter hibernation. It was a fiesty little snake, as milksnakes often are, and tried to strike several times at the camera as it was being photographed!
Did you know?
Did you know?
The name "milksnake" reflects an old folktalke that these snakes would suck cow's milk, presumably since they are often in barns where cows are kept. In reality, milksnakes are attracted to barns mainly for the abudant mice, and don't suck milk at all.
Preys mostly on mice, and as such is often found in and around old barns.
It is a constrictor, or rather semi-constrictor, striking mice with its mouth then wrapping around prey until they suffocate.
Though harmless to humans, milksnakes are often mistaken for venomous species, and killed as a result.
When threatened, milksnakes will sometimes vibrate their tail in inmitation of a rattle.
Can grow over a metre in length, though most are much less.
Can live up to 20 years.
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