Nature Canada

Species Spotlights: Milksnake

Get to know some of the species at risk in the Lac Deschenes Ottawa River IBA with the Species Spotlight, aka “Sp-Spot.” Today meet the: Milksnake

Eastern Milksnake: Photographer Keaton Wilson

Eastern Milksnake: Photographer Keaton Wilson

Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum
SARA Status: Special Concern; Ontario: Special Concern; Quebec: Likely to be designated
Taxonomic Group: Serpentes
Size: The largest individual on record was 132 cm long, but the typical lengths are between 60 and 90 cm.

With beautiful red and white stripes, this slender snake can grow up to a meter long! Atop its white base colour, the Milksnake has reddish-brown splotches surrounded by a black border. Individuals can display a variety of colour shades. For instance, sometimes the Milksnake has a tan, brown, or grey base with copper coloured splotches surrounded by a brown boarder. The belly of the snake has a black and white checkerboard pattern. The neck of the Milksnake can have a light cream coloured “Y” or “V” shaped patch, though this patterning is not consistent with all Milksnakes.

The Milksnake is not venomous, and therefore is not dangerous. However, when the Milksnake is threatened it raises its head in the air and vibrates its tail, much like a venomous snake. Unfortunately, this often leads to people killing them on site because many mistake it for the venomous Mississauga Rattlesnake due to its similar colouring and vibrating tail. Humans are also a threat to Milksnakes through habitat loss from urbanization, construction, and development of agricultural areas. The primary diet of the Milksnake consists of mice and small nesting birds. Milksnakes hunt during the night and hide during the day. The Milksnake receives protection from some provincial and national parks, as well as the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Where Else Can You See This Species?

The Milksnake can be found in southern Canada and throughout the United States, Mexico, and South America. In Ontario, the Milksnake can be found as far north as Lake Nipissing and Sault Ste. Marie. One would have a good chance spotting a Milksnake along the border of Quebec and Ontario by the St. Lawrence River. It is very rare to see these snakes in city centres, such as Ottawa, but they may be seen on the Quebec side of Lac Deschenes. There are 25 subspecies of Milksnake found in North America, but only one subspecies, the Eastern Milksnake, is found in Canada.

Did You Know?

  • The Milksnake got its name from the false belief that it takes milk from farm cows.
  •  The Milksnake is the only snake in Ontario that has red blotches.
  • The lifespan of the Milksnake in the wild is unknown, but one snake caught as an adult lived for another 21 years in captivity.

Check back every week to read about a different species at risk that can be found in Lac Deschênes.
You can report sightings of this and other rare species to the Canadian Wildlife Service at (819) 997-2800 or on the MNR Natural Heritage Information Centre website. A photo and the location of your sighting are also very helpful!

We would like to thank Alicia Cuzner for this post. Alicia is a conservation intern for Nature Canada and she will be focusing on the Lac Deschenes Ottawa River Important Bird Area project during the summer. She is interested in sustainability, the environment, and education.

this initiative is funded by

 

Want to Help?

Canada’s wilderness is the world’s envy. It’s our duty to keep our true north strong and green.

Donate