Milksnakes hunt during the night and hide during the day. The primary diet of the Milksnake consists of mice and small nesting birds. Humans are also a threat to Milksnakes through habitat loss from urbanization, construction, and development of agricultural areas. Unfortunately, this often leads to people killing them on site because many mistake it for the venomous Mississauga Rattlesnake due to its similar colouring and vibrating tail. However, when the Milksnake is threatened it raises its head in the air and vibrates its tail, much like a venomous snake. The Milksnake is not venomous, and therefore is not dangerous. The neck of the Milksnake can have a light cream coloured “Y” or “V” shaped patch, though this patterning is not consistent with all Milksnakes. The belly of the snake has a black and white checkerboard pattern.
For instance, sometimes the Milksnake has a tan, brown, or grey base with copper coloured splotches surrounded by a brown boarder. With beautiful red and white stripes, this slender snake can grow up to a meter long! Atop its white base colour, the Milksnake has reddish-brown splotches surrounded by a black border. Individuals can display a variety of colour shades.
Size: The largest individual on record was 132 cm long, but the typical lengths are between 60 and 90 cm. SARA Status: Special Concern Ontario: Special Concern Quebec: Likely to be designated
Eastern Milksnake: Photographer Keaton Wilson
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