The head of the western fox snake is usually dark brown, with the occasional orange hue. Fox snakes, both western and eastern, are often killed by people who mistakenly believe them to be venomous. If you do get bitten by a Fox Snake, it likely won’t be too painful. Quite the opposite, this species prefers cooler, damper natural habitats. The bigger the snake, the better the story. In captivity, there is always the risk that a live rat may injure the snake. In fact, most prey constricted by these snakes die within a few seconds as they are not able to breathe. For the most part, they have more of a grayish base with pronounced black splotches. Western fox snakes (Pantherophis vulpinus) are found in farmlands, prairies, stream valleys, woods, and dune habitats from the central upper peninsula of Michigan, through Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and into northwestern Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The western fox snake has considerable variability in color ranging from yellow, gray, brown or even tan. Western fox snakes do not have rattles. Additional detail about legal protection for species at risk in Ontario is available on our Legal Protection page. Because the western fox snake does not make a good parent, the babies are left to fend for themselves at a very young age. The species has also been designated as a Specially Protected Reptile under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The western fox snake is a medium-size reptile that reaches lengths of 3-5 feet long. These snakes are very active and, especially in southwestern Ontario where road density is very high, frequently cross roads. This species is almost exclusively found near bodies of water. Mating usually takes place after the snake comes out of hibernation. Are Western/Eastern Fox Snakes Dangerous? Included are Common Garter, W. Fox, N. Ring-necked, N. Red-bellied, E. Milk, N. Water, Smooth Green (Grass Snake) and DeKay’s Brown Snakes. These snakes are hardly dangerous, but before getting too close, you should make sure it’s not a copperhead. May 16, 2014. On either side of this bold row there is a row of smaller dark blotches. Approach the snake with caution and look for a rattle. Like all rat snakes, it is a nonvenomous constrictor.Fox snakes somewhat resemble the appearance of copperheads and rattlesnakes and may shake their tails when threatened, so they are often mistaken for venomous snakes. One of the largest and most beautiful snakes found in our area is the fox snake, colored in a yellowish tone overall with chocolate … The western fox snake, unlike many other snakes, is chiefly active during the day, especially during the cooler months of the year (Spring and Fall). Eastern Fox Snakes will eat generally the same thing as westerns. This fox snake raised its head and body enough to see the pale tan underside marked with black spots. This is a constricting species of snake, and they will latch on when they bite. The biggest difference between the two subspecies is their preferred habitat. Unfortunately, this behavior leads most humans to believe it is a rattler and kill it instantly. Despite the name, the western fox snake has no physical similarities to a fox. Of Wisconsin's 21 species, 14 are considered "rare" and listed as endangered, threatened or special concern. Sometimes, these snakes may develop mouth ulcers which may make it difficult to eat. This species is the most frequently encountered snake in people's homes, especially if the house has an old rock foundation where the snake(s) may be hunting for food or hibernating in the basement. It can be found in Michigan, South Dakota, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. That said, it’s best to take precautions with handling any snake. Although the eastern foxsnake’s regional distribution does not seem to have changed over the past century, population abundance (the number of individuals in an area) has declined, especially in southwestern Ontario. A large snake found statewide; yellowish with large dark saddles and side blotches; head of adult is a very distinct immaculate copper color like a penny. The face is flat with a short snout. In southwestern Ontario, foxsnakes have been able to endure in a heavily modified landscape and will use building foundations, drainage ditches, hedgerows, old wells and so on. On the other hand, Westerns are fairly common as pet snakes — although not as popular as these pet snakes. People often kill the foxsnake on sight, mistaking it for a venomous rattlesnake or, due to the reddish head, a copperhead (which does not even occur in Ontario). They may look the same, but the Eastern Fox Snake is more often found farther north than it’s counterpart. The young western fox snake is much lighter in color compared to the adult. The scales of this species are lightly keeled (ridged down the centre) and its anal plate is divided. But if it does, just pour some water on the snake (ideally ice water) and it will likely unlatch. You likely won’t get bitten in the first place, because the snakes tend to slither away and emit an odor. The underside is usually yellow but almost always has a dark/gray checkered pattern. From there, clean it with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and bandage the wound. The number of patches or blotches on the back may number 2-3 dozen depending on the length of the snake. Western fox snake inhabits edges of the forests, pastures and fields. They can be found most prominently near the great lakes in Ohio and Michigan. This essentially means that western fox snakes kill prey by squeezing them to death instead of say, injecting venom. Fox snake is the common name given to two species of North American rat snakes. In the wild, the lifespan of a western fox snake does vary because of predators, competition for food, and urbanization. Everyone has a snake story and they often get exaggerated over time. Learn more about reptile and amphibian conservation and what you can do to help these species on our Reptile and Amphibian Stewardship page. The reason is that each year, rodents and birds consume a significant amount of crops. A cute little garter snake quickly becomes a 6-foot, red-bellied snake with a triangular-shaped head. If it becomes swollen or if you have any doubts at all, it’s always best to contact a medical professional for further advice. See the Key to Illinois Snakes for help with identification. Description: Large (up to 130 cm TL) snake with copper-colored head distinctly wider than neck. 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