Milk Snake
Range
Statewide.
Description
Harmless. Smooth scales. Wide orange or red bands, bordered with black, separated by white, or grayish or yellowish white bands. Head can be either red or black. Belly marked with black and white checkerboard, or red, white and black bands extend onto belly. Young are patterned like adults. Adults average 16-28 inches in length.
Habitat and Habits
Pine, hardwood, mixed pinehardwood and bottomland forests, especially around rocky areas and under logs. Active March-October. Breeds in spring; lays 2-12 eggs in June. Eggs hatch in August or September. A member of the "kingsnake" group; feeds primarily on lizards, snakes and rodents.