If you occur to seek out your self walking via the southern U.S., say, in a state like Florida, don’t assume you got here throughout a pot of gold if you happen to see the Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) curled up, taking a mid-afternoon nap. But the place do Corn Snakes stay, and wherein states are you extra more likely to discover them?
With their golden scales making up most of their our bodies with black highlights, these beautiful reptiles are additionally named Rat Snakes. Both names, “Corn Snake” and “Rat Snake,” don’t mirror the fantastic thing about this explicit species. With its golden hue, the corn snake appears like a ribbon of gold—particularly the juveniles.
What Makes the Corn Snake Unique?
The older it will get, the extra its black highlights and darker diamonds seem. When seen from its stomach, the Corn Snake appears precisely like a black and white checkerboard. But, with this animal, in case you have it on its again, you’re probably enjoying a harmful sport of chess.
Fun truth: it has this distinctive underbelly design to confuse predators which may be beneath them, whereas their our bodies resemble corn or maize, in response to The Smithsonian National Zoo.
What are the Top States Where Corn Snakes Live?
1. New Jersey
Yes. Although the corn snake does prefer it a bit extra humid and tropical, it does get pleasure from wooded groves and rocky terrain, which New Jersey does have loads of, particularly if you get “down the shore,” because the locals say.
Although they’re rarer within the state of New Jersey, they stay within the state’s ‘Pine Barrens.’ This space is ideal for the Corn Snake, as they’ll burrow in logs, climb the bushes, and luxuriate in sandy floor. Unfortunately, the Corn Snake has an endangered standing in New Jersey as a result of lack of habitat and assortment for the pet commerce.
2. Louisiana
Yes, the home of the Big Easy. Although the corn snake shouldn’t be going there for Mardi Gras, it enjoys the state’s swamps and low-land areas on the mouth of the Mississippi River. Because it does get pleasure from feeding on small rodents, you’ll simply discover it the place rats and mice stay. The Corn Snake inhabitants in Louisiana is at the moment secure.
3. Maryland
Not to benefit from the state’s crab truffles; it’s secretive and infrequently makes itself seen, however populates the state’s hardwood forests with unfastened soil. Here, it lives underground however enjoys bushes
4. Kentucky
The corn snake enjoys the Bluegrass state, largely in two areas, particularly Mammoth Cave National Park and the Red River Gorge Geologic Area. In this state, the Corn Snake is a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in response to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Why although?
Mainly to the pet commerce, though they don’t make nice pets since they climb and can escape. If you have got one as a pet, watch out; these guys are constrictors. Quick, the place’s the cat?
5. Florida
Just like our nation’s retiree inhabitants, the Corn Snake loves the Sunshine State. Here, look out for downed palm fronds since our slithery buddy likes to twist up and take a nap there. Corn Snakes are usually not aggressive or non-venomous; nonetheless, they’ll defend themselves by biting once they again right into a nook. This isn’t how they kill their prey; nonetheless. They are constrictors. Bonus: the Corn Snake lives within the Florida Keys.
The Corn Snake lives in lots of states within the Southeastern United States. Wherever you’re, nonetheless, if it bites you, you’re in no hazard. Just make an observation as to the place you discovered it, and wash the chew with cleaning soap and water. You additionally might must triple-check that what bit you was a Corn Snake and never a venomous cousin.
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