The Corn Snake

The corn snake is also known as Pantherophis guttatus when binomial nomenclature is used to describe it. It is rat snake species that arises from North America. It is usually known by its attribute of killing or immobilizing its prey by the use of intense constriction. This is the use of special muscles around the body to squeeze prey until the entire bones break and when it is unable to move, the corn snake swallows it.



They can be found in Central and Southern United States.

Corn snakes are docile in nature. Meaning they easily submit and take instructions. They do not bite. They are very reluctant when it comes to biting people who confront it. The adults are usually moderate in size and their skins have a very charming pattern. Caring from them is very simple. This is why the Corn Snake often makes a good pet.

The length of its body is usually 61 to 182 centimetres. These Corn snakes are usually confused with the Copperheads but distinguishing them is very easy. Their colors are brighter, they have pits that function as heat sensors and are usually slender.

The natural habitat of the corn snakes is in fields that have overgrown vegetation. They can also live in trees, openings in forests and also in abandoned farms which are six thousand feet above the sea.

Learn more: Can snakes climb stairs or a wall?

When they are born, they stay on the ground for a period of four months before they can start going up the trees and buildings. In winter, they take shelter in logs and crevices on rocks. It is only when the weather is warm that they will come out to absorb the heat.

The hunting actions are usually halted since they have to hibernate during cold periods.

The life cycle of a corn snake usually varies depending on the area which it lives. When a corn snake is in the wild, it lives for a period of about six to eight years but when the corn snake has been captured by animal rehabilitators and researchers, it can live for a period of twenty three years or even more.

Find out: Will a snake under a porch or shed have a nest of babies?

The corn snake is carnivorous in nature. They eat fleshy organisms such as rodents and small invertebrates. When they are in the wild they feed once in a few days since they consume a large meal at a time. They eat amphibians like frogs and also birds. When the birds are not around their nests, they will eat the bird’s eggs.

They usually mate after winter and when the eggs are fertilized, the female lays the eggs in a month’s time. The eggs will develop for 10 weeks when the baby corn snakes are ready to come out.

Go back to the How to get rid of snakes home page.

Need snake removal in your hometown? We service over 500 USA locations! Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020.

Select Your Animal

RaccoonsRaccoon Control Education and Services

SquirrelsSquirrel Control Education and Services

OpossumOpossum Control Education and Services

SkunksSkunk Control Education and Services

RatsRat Control Education and Services

MiceMouse Control Education and Services

MolesMole Control Education and Services

GroundhogGroundhog Control Education and Services

ArmadillosArmadillo Control Education and Services

BeaverBeaver Control Education and Services

FoxFox Control Education and Services

CoyotesCoyote Control Education and Services

BirdsBird Control Education and Services

BatsBat Control Education and Services

SnakesSnake Control Education and Services

DeadDead Animal Control Education and Services