Milk snakes appear to be one of the smaller species of the kingsnake genus. Due to the many colors of the eastern milk snake, it can resemble the coral snake, corn snake, fox snake, and the scarlet snake. 

Milk snakes are non-venomous and typically live in forested regions, however, in some regions, they can be located in open prairies, on rocky slopes, and in some situations they migrate seasonally. In winter, they move to higher and drier habitats for hibernation and moister habitats for the summer. 

Milk snakes are mostly nocturnal during summer months. They are primarily terrestrial and attempt to blend in with ground litter. When threatened, a milk snake will usually try to escape. If cornered or harassed, it may vibrate its tail and strike energetically, though of course they are non-venomous, have only tiny teeth and their tails lack a rattle. They are also able to climb and swim.

Milk Snake Facts:

• An early myth about milk snakes is that they suck cow udders to get the milk. FALSE! Milk snakes do not have the physical capacity to suck milk out of a cow.

• Milk snakes are oviparous, laying an average of about 10 eggs per clutch.

• Milk snakes typically live around 12 years, or up to 21 years in captivity.

These long, creepy critters are available for a 2-week checkout for your classroom through the Living Science Material Center CO-OP page.