Elaphe vulpina
western fox snake

Western fox snakes (Elaphe vulpina) 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. (Conant and Collins, 1998; Michigan Natural Features Inventory, 2004)

Western fox snakes are found in grasslands, prairies, dune areas, farm fields, pastures, and woodlots. They are typically found fairly close to water. Like all snakes, they can be found basking near the edge of marshes or in grassland clearings. (Michigan Natural Features Inventory, 2004)

Western fox snakes are usually between 91 and 137 cm long. The published record is 179 cm. They are blotched snake, with light brown to black spots. The head varies from brown to reddish. The reddish head is often mistaken as a copperhead and often spells the end of that snake. The belly is yellow and checkered with black. The scales are weakly keeled. The young look distinctively different. The dark spots are rich brown usually edged with black or dark brown. The head has a dark transverse line anterior to eyes and a dark line from eye to angle of jaw. The lines on the head fade away with age. Western fox snakes have an average of 41 blotches. (Conant and Collins, 1998)

Western fox snakes have good climbing skills but are usually seen on the ground in fields or marshes. When annoyed, irritated or scared these fox snakes vibrate their tail. Although most people associate this behavior with rattlesnakes, fox snakes only bite if provoked. Unfortunately these snakes are fairly large and, with the vibrating of the tail, are mistaken as a possible threat and is often killed. (Rigg, 1998)

Western fox snakes eat small mammals and occasional birds. They eat meadow voles, deer mice, eggs, fledgling birds, and newborn rabbits. Western fox snakes kill their prey by constriction. (Rigg, 1998)

Western fox snakes are harmless snakes, there are no negative effects of this species on humans.

Western fox snakes help keep pest populations down. They often inhabit agricultural lands and prey on rabbits and rodents.

Western fox snakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes. As a result they are often indiscriminately killed. In fact, they are harmless and beneficial. Western fox snake populations also suffer from habitat destruction, illegal collecting, and being hit by cars. Currently populations of western fox snakes are considered stable.