Eastern Foxsnake
Pantherophis vulpinus
A smooth-scaled snake that reaches 3-6 feet in length and emits a musk that smells similar to a fox. It is light brown with dark brown irregular patches all over its body…
How to identify
A smooth-scaled snake that reaches 3-6 feet in length and emits a musk that smells similar to a fox. It is light brown with dark brown irregular patches all over its body, which are larger on its back than on its sides. Ventrum has a black and cream checkered pattern. Its head is lighter with an orange hue, and it has a subtle darker band that runs from behind each eye and across the face.
Range
Primarily found in the midwestern states of Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and northern Illinois. Range extends slightly into east central Missouri and northwestern Indiana. An isolated population ranges through extreme southern Ontario into eastern Michigan and north central Ohio.
Habitat
Can be found in various habitats including woodlands, prairies, marshes, and farmland. They are primarily ground-dwelling, but are good at climbing. They hibernate underground in the winter.
Variations
Juveniles are lighter and lack the orange coloration on the head. Some individuals are shades of light and dark grey, rather than brown.
Similar species
Most similar to the western foxsnake (*Pantherophis ramspotti*) which is found further west. Could also be confused with the eastern milksnake (*Lampropeltis triangulum*), gray ratsnake (*Pantherophis spiloides*), gopher snake (*Pituophis catenifer*), or Great Plains ratsnake (*Pantherophis emoryi*).
Name and etymology
Vulpinus: Latin for relating to fox (vulpine) and honoring Reverend Charles Fox.
At a glance
Size
91 to 179 cm
Range
Primarily found in the midwestern states of Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and northern Illinois. Range extends slightly into…
Habitat
Can be found in various habitats including woodlands, prairies, marshes, and farmland. They are primarily ground-dwelling, bu…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap