Reptile · GBIF taxon 7501483
Western Foxsnake
Pantherophis ramspottiAlso known as Western Fox Snake, Fox Snake
Western foxsnakes are heavy-bodied, blotched constrictors that thrive across prairies, river valleys, and open woodlands west of the Mississippi River. When alarmed, they rapidly vibrate their tails against dry leaf litter to produce a buzzing sound that mimics a rattlesnake. Females lay clutches of leather-shelled eggs in decaying logs or compost heaps during early summer, providing excellent natural rodent control around agricultural fields.
ReptileHarmlessConstrictor
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Meadow Vole
- White-footed Mouse
- Bird Eggs
Predators
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Coyote
- Raccoon
ThreatsRoad mortality, habitat loss, and intentional killing due to rattlesnake misidentification
HabitatsPrairies, savannas, farm fields, marshes, and open woodlands
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesPantherophis ramspotti
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Nonvenomous and harmless, but may bite or release a musk if cornered or handled.
Responsible observation
- Tail Buzzing: Do not panic if it vibrates its tail in dry leaves, as this is a harmless bluff.
- Safe Observation: Maintain a respectful distance of a few feet to watch it move comfortably.
- Road Crossings: Give snakes plenty of room to cross rural roads safely without interference.
Frequent Companion (c) Rose Zappa, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rose Zappa · cc-by
Mimicry Model Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Jennifer Aitkens, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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