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| Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe gloydi) COSEWIC Status-Threatened OMNR-Threatened |
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| Description: Our second largest snake in Ontario, the
fox snake reaches 140 cm in length. It is yellow-brown in colour with large
brown or black blotches on the back that alternate with smaller blotches
along the sides. The head is reddish brown and the belly is yellow with
a black checkerboard pattern. Young fox snakes are greyish with reddish
brown blotches and have a dark cross band on the head. Habitat: Shoreline marshes, islands in Georgian Bay, vegetated dunes, beaches, adjacent fields and open woodlots.  Habits:
The eastern fox snake is active from late April to mid-October. They
hibernate communally in a rock pile, tree root cavity or old foundation.
Fox snakes are constrictors and small rodents, birds and frogs are their
prey. When threatened, the fox snake may mimic the rattlesnake and vibrate
its tail from side to side, which can produce a rattle like sound if it
contacts dry vegetation. It may emit a musk odour when handled. Fox snakes
are excellent swimmers and have been recorded travelling several kilometres
between islands. Mating in mid-May to mid June, the fox snake lays an average
of 14 eggs in July. Rotting wood or debris often provides the nest site.
The eggs often adhere to form a clump. The young emerge in late August or
early September . They are typically 23-26 cm long. Females reach maturity
in 3 years and will likely breed every other year.
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Copyright © 2001,The
Greater Georgian Bay Reptile Awareness Program
All rights reserved.
