Elaphe gloydi
eastern fox snake

Eastern fox snakes historically occurred along the shores of the Lakes Huron and Erie, from the Georgian and Saginaw Bays to north central Ohio and eastward along the northern shore of Lake Erie to Long Point and perhaps Buffalo (Schmidt 1941). Today the eastern fox snakes can be found from Saginaw Bay along the shore of Lake Huron south to the western edge of Lake Erie (Holman et al. 1989) in Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario.

Eastern fox snakes are typically found in flat, marshy or partially drained areas. Eastern fox snakes on islands in Lake Erie are found in open, rocky habitats and woodlands. Unlike western fox snakes (E. vulpina), eastern fox snakes are rarely found in upland wooded areas. Eastern fox snakes are ground dwelling animals that are rarely found climbing trees or understory brush. (Holman et al., 1989)

The two morphologically similar species of fox snake-- eastern (Elaphe gloydi) and western (Elaphe vulpina), were, until recently, considered subspecies under the latter name. Fox snakes range from 91 to 137 cm in length when mature (the published record length is 179 cm, some slightly longer animals are known). The dorsal surface varies in color from a yellowish color to light brown, with dark blotches ranging in color from chocolate to black. The head will also vary in color from brown to a distinctly reddish color. Eastern fox snakes have a yellow colored belly that is checkered with black (Conant and Collins 1998). The scales are weakly keeled and they have a divided anal plate. Young snakes are paler in color, spots are rich brown and edged with a black or dark brown band, and they have a dark transverse line anterior to their eyes and a line from their eye to the angle of the jaw (Conant and Collins 1998).

Eastern fox snakes can be differentiated from western fox snakes by the number of blotches present on the dorsal surface. Eastern fox snakes have fewer blotches (average 34) than do western fox snakes (average 41). The blotches on the eastern fox snake are 4, 5, or 6 scales in length, while the western fox snake's blotches are 3 to 4 scales in length (Schmidt 1941, Harding 1997). Their ranges do not presently overlap; western fox snakes occur in prairies, farmlands, and open woodlands of the western Great Lakes and eastern plains states. (Conant and Collins., 1998)

Eastern fox snakes are generally considered docile animals. They do have several defense mechanisms which they will use if they feel threatened. They will become aggressive and strike when threatened, but will normally try to avoid any confrontations. ("Point Pelee National Park; A Mimic From Among the Reptile Family.", Parks Canada. 1999.)

Eastern fox snakes feed on small mammals, frogs, birds, and occasionally bird eggs. Eastern fox snakes are constrictors, which means they kill by wrapping their bodies around the chest of their prey and squeezing until the prey eventially dies. (Holman et al., 1989)

Eastern fox snakes are harmless snakes, there are no negative effects of these snakes on humans.

Eastern fox snakes are major predators of small rodents, which can be agricultural pests. If fox snake numbers can be kept stable they will help control small rodent numbers resulting in less crop damage in many agricultural fields.

Eastern fox snakes are currently listed as a threatened species in the state of Michigan. The loss and pollution of wetland habitats, indiscriminate killing by people who think fox snakes are venomous, illegal collecting, and road kills are all factors in the decline of fox snakes. Any sightings of this snake should be reported to local wildlife authorities. ("Eastern Fox Snake", Hartley Outdoor Education Center. 1999)

Fox snakes, both western and eastern, are often killed by people who mistakenly believe them to be venomous. Many people get the fox snake confused with the venomous copperhead snake due to the reddish coloring of the head. One of the defense mechanisms of the fox snake is to vibrate its tail as a warning to potential predators. This creates a sound similar to that of a rattlesnake by the rustling of the leaves beneath the snake.

When a fox snake is threatened it will secrete a strong substance which some say smells like the musty secretions of foxes, hence the name "fox snake". In many areas eastern fox snakes are referred to as "spotted adders," a local name also sometimes applied to eastern milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) in the same region. ("Eastern Fox Snake", Hartley Outdoor Education Center. 1999)