Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

This small (18-24 inches) snake is immune to the venom of pit vipers. It is a slender coral snake mimic. Caution colors of red and yellow are separated by black. Sharp nose is red. Very secretive. Hides beneath surface debris, behind loose bark shards on standing trees (especially pines), or in rotting stumps. Occasionally surface active on warm rainy nights, especially during the spring breeding season. Intergrades widely with the eastern and red milk snakes where it ranges about. Oviparous.

Unique Features:

The red nose and the fact that the red and the yellow are separated by black, as well as range, should identify this snake.

Habitat and Diet:

Pine woodlands, water edge debris, flat rocks, treeholes, fallen tree trunks, and surface debris at edge situations—this snake may utilize any of these and others. Feeds largely on lizards but amphibians, and small snakes are also eaten.

Geographic Range:

FL, GA, SC, AL, NC, TN, KY, VA, LA,