Native to the southeastern part of the U.S., the corn snake, also known as the Red rat snake, has become quite popular within the pet trade due to its calm temperament. In addition, through selective breeding, many different color & pattern forms have come about with those that are raised in captivity.

This snake's name originated from the pattern of their belly scales, looking similar to the kernels of maize or "Indian corn". In the wild, the corn snake may vary in color, having dark orange or deep red saddle-like blotches that contrast with a gray or straw-colored background. Their patterns help camouflage themselves in leaf litter quite well.

They are an egg laying snake, with clutches varying from 3 to 40 eggs. Their body is slender and muscular that can grow up to 5ft to 6ft in length. Their pupils are round and are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.

Woodland fields and scrub areas are this snake's natural habitat, but is often found around places that may attract mice and rats (their main source of food) such as abandoned buildings and dumps on the outskirts of towns. They are powerful constrictors that feed on small mammals as well as other reptiles. When threatened, they are known to rapidly vibrate their tails and coil up in an "S" shaped-form, prepared to strike.