Natural History
LIFE: In August, mature fox snakes have their mating
season, which means the eggs are able to be laid by the
females in late August to October. Female fox snakes
lay approximately 10-20 eggs. When fox snakes hatch,
they are about 8-12 inches in length. These young
snakes grow into snakes approximately 36-56 inches,
making it one of Iowa’s largest snake species. Adult fox
snakes are colored ranging from straw yellow to dark
brown, but they may have orange, yellow, or reddish
pigment between the scales. They also have large dark
brown and/or black blotches. As they age, these
blotches become rings on the tail. Fox snakes have
underbellies that are dirty yellow with black
checkering. Fox snakes live to be approximately 20
years old.

HABITAT AND RANGE: The fox snake is found in
very moist habitats, which sets the snake apart from
other large Iowa snakes. This means they are
commonly found in woodlands, woodland edges,
prairies, lowland meadows, and rocky outcroppings
near rivers. They especially enjoy river and stream
valleys. Despite this, they can also be found within city
limits because they are able to more readily adapt to
habitat disturbance by humans. Their habitat
preferences make them the most common snake in
Iowa. However, south central Iowa counties tend to
have lower numbers of fox snakes, most likely due to
the increased number of king snakes in these areas.

DIET: Western fox snakes most commonly consume
rodents, particularly rats. Young snakes are also able to
feed on frogs and young mice, while older snakes are
able to eat birds and their eggs. Their feeding habits
make them a very powerful constrictor.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Fox snakes are
protected in Iowa due to their low population. Because
of this, it is illegal to kill or collect this species under
Iowa law.


SOURCE: LeClere, J. (2020). Western Foxsnake
(Pantherophis ramspotti). Retrieved July 15, 2020,
from http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-
Herpetology/reptiles/snakes/western-fox-snakepantherophis-
ramspotti/
Brinker, A. (2020). Pantherophis vulpinus (Western
Fox Snake). Retrieved July 15, 2020, from
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pantherophis_vulpinus/#0c56c74b11

Life History of Hartman Reserve’s
Fox Snake
Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s Fox Snake, Kathy,
was found on the porch of a daycare south of Waterloo
in June of 2018. Our naturalist rescued her and later
found out she was gravid (pregnant). Unfortunately,
Kathy’s eggs could not be successfully incubated.
However, Kathy has remained at the center since then.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: PANTHEROPHIS RAMSPOTTI

Range Map Source: Herpnet
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