The corn snake, sometimes called the red rat snake, is a species of North American rat snake in the family Colubridae. The species subdues its small prey by constriction. It is found throughout the southeastern and central United States. Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, the corn snake lacks functional venom and is harmless to humans. The corn snake is beneficial to humans because it helps control populations of wild rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Pantherophis guttatus
- Category
- Reptiles & amphibians
- Animal type
- Reptile
- Other names
- couleuvre à gouttelettes
Some species are regulated (CITES, ownership permits) — check the rules before keeping one.
