Milk Snake
ExploreReptile
Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum
The Milk Snake is known for its colorful bands of red, black, and yellow! They are often mistaken for poisonous snakes but are completely harmless.
Habitat: Forests and grasslands
Appearance
The Milk Snake has striking red, black, and cream or yellow bands that often mimic the pattern of the venomous Coral Snake. Its head is small and not distinctly wider than its body, blending seamlessly into its patterned scales. The characteristic banding makes it visually distinct from most other non-venomous snakes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusLampropeltis
Category
ReptileRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
6
Interesting facts
Its name came from an old myth about it drinking milk from cows!
Milk snakes can survive freezing temperatures by brumating underground!
These snakes don't have fangs; they constrict their prey instead!
They often wiggle their tail to scare off threats, pretending to be rattlesnakes!
Special abilities
Ability
Prey Squeezer
Milk Snake can squeeze its prey tightly because its strong muscles help it constrict and overpower small rodents and other animals.
Ability
Master Blocker
Milk Snake has a patterned skin that helps it blend perfectly into leaf litter and forest floors, hiding it from both predators and prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-150 cm
- Weight
- 0.2-0.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 6 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-24
- Incubation
- 60-90 days
Diet & Feeding
They are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of small animals they find on the ground.
Age differences: Young milk snakes often eat insects, slugs, and worms, transitioning to larger prey as they grow.
Primary Foods
- Rodents
- Birds
- Lizards
- Other snakes
- Bird eggs
- Amphibians
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
White-footed Mouse
Peromyscus leucopus
A common prey item for adult milk snakes.
hunts
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
Another significant food source, especially in grassy habitats.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A predatory bird that hunts snakes, including milk snakes.
eaten by
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
An opportunistic predator that may consume milk snakes.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Colorful
Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Carnivorous
Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
Common Milk SnakeEastern Milk SnakeWestern Milk Snake
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Milk Snake?
60-150 cm
How much does Milk Snake weigh?
0.2-0.5 kg
How long does Milk Snake live?
10-20 years
How fast can Milk Snake move?
6 km/h
What does Milk Snake eat?
They are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of small animals they find on the ground.
Where is Milk Snake usually found?
Forests and grasslands
How does Milk Snake hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Milk Snake lay?
3-24
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Zoo22 sightings16 species
New York, US
Staten Island Zoo
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Alabama, US
Birmingham Zoo
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Park56 sightings10 species
Massachusetts, US
Great Esker Park
You might spot Great Egret, Eastern Redcedar, and Osprey.
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Park7 sightings4 species
Pennsylvania, US
Hyner View State Park
You might spot Carolina Horsenettle, Common Soapwort, and Goldenrods.
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Zoo0 sightings0 species
Silesian Voivodeship, PL
Śląski Ogród Zoologiczny
You might spot Chilabothrus Angulifer and Yellow-Crested Cockatoo.
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