Eastern Milksnake

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR, Rori Paloski

Family: Colubridae (Non-venomous snakes)
Status: Common
Size: 24-36 inches

This snake has a gray or light brown background color with three rows of reddish-brown or brown blotches bordered with black. There is usually a whitish Y or V-shaped marking on the top of its head toward the neck. The underside is white with black rectangular markings.

Species range (darker) in Wisconsin

Milksnakes live in oak savannas, northern and southern upland hardwoods, prairies and old woodlots and pastures. They are also often found around farm buildings and older homes with stone foundations, as well as in vacant lots toward the outskirts of municipalities. Adults feed mostly on rodents but will also eat other small snakes.