Conservation Status: Endangered (Carolinian)/Threatened (Georgian Bay) (SARA); Protected (FWCA); Endangered (COSEWIC)

Size: 170 cm (67”)

Defining feature(s): Eastern Fox Snakes are large robust snakes with large uniformly chocolate to dark brown dorsal blotches alternating with smaller lateral blotches.  The ventral scales have a checkerboard pattern.  The body colour is typically tan to brown but may have an almost golden brown appearance in some individuals.

Other features: As in all rat snakes, the fox snake has smooth lateral scales, slightly keeled dorsal scales and a loaf-shaped body in cross section.  Fox snakes will flatten their head and vibrate their tale when threatened.

Habitat: Eastern Fox Snakes are restricted to coastal habitats around the great lakes.  They are most frequently found in marshes, meadows, savannahs and forest near the great lakes.  They are adept swimmers and climbers.  Some populations are known to swim several kilometers in very cool water to reach their summer habitat and then swim several kilometers back to their hibernacula.

Reproduction: Courtship and breeding occurs in late April or May.  Females deposit a clutch of 6-12 eggs in logs, burrows or piles of decaying organic material such as mulch, sawdust or leaves.  Hatchlings emerge after an incubation of approximately 50-65 days.