The Western fox snake (Pantherophis ramspotti) is a nonvenomous species of rat snake found in the United States. The part of its scientific name, ramspotti, was given in honor of the late aspiring herpetologist Joseph Ramspott.
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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Non-venomousNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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HibernatingHibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression undergone by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy charac...
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starts withThis species is medium to large in size. It is gray, tan, or yellowish-tan with blotches on the back. Its head can be yellow, orange, or brownish-red and the underside is cream to yellow and checkered with black.
Western fox snakes are found in the upper Midwestern United States, west of the Mississippi River. They live in a variety of habitats, both natural and disturbed. They prefer forests, shrubland, grasslands, prairies, freshwater wetlands, pastures, old fields, and other cultivated areas.
Western fox snakes are mainly terrestrial but sometimes climb into vegetation. They hibernate in abandoned burrows or in crevices. They are fairly bold and will travel close to other animals and humans if undisturbed. When confronted, they "rattle" their tail to imitate a rattlesnake and attempt to escape the perceived threat. It will also go into an "S" position and snap rapidly in succession. These are all defensive maneuvers in an effort to escape but if captured, they produce a musky odor.
Western fox snakes are carnivores. and primarily feed on mice and other small rodents. They may also consume young rabbits, frogs, and eggs.
Female Western fox snakes are oviparous. They lay eggs in humus in old stumps and under logs.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Western fox snake total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
