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Eastern Foxsnake

Elaphe gloydi

With its copper coloured head people sometimes mistakenly call this snake a Copperhead, a venomous snake that does not live in Ontario.

COSEWIC Status: Endangered

COSSARO Status: Endangered

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

The committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a committee of experts who determine the national status of native species thought to be at risk of disappearing from Canada. Members include academics, specialists, Aboriginal people or government, & biologists.

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Species at Risk Status

Endangered

This species is facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

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Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario

The committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario reviews the COSEWIC status reports for species that occur in Ontario, then makes recommendations on the appropriate provincial status of the species. Provincial status is identified on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List.

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Species at Risk Status

Endangered

This species is facing imminent extirpation or extinction.

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K. Otterbein

Have you seen this species at risk? Report your sighting.

Food

• Young may eat frogs and insects, but adults prefer rodents and bird eggs.
• Foxsnakes are constrictors.

Habits and Reproduction

• Emerge from winter hibernation sites (a frost-free shelter such as mammal burrows or rock crevice) in mid-April.
• Usually return to hibernation sites by late September.
• Foxsnakes hibernate communally, sometimes in large numbers.
• If frightened it will vibrate its tail sounding similar to a rattlesnake. This snake is not venomous and will more likely musk than bite if handled.
• Can swim long distances.
• An average of 14 eggs are laid in late June and July under the protection of a decaying log or shallow burrow.
• Young hatch in late August or September. They are 23-26cm long, greyish with reddish brown blotches and a dark bar on the head.
• Females reach maturity in 5 years.

Habitat

• Rocky shores, beaches, and marshes.
• Generally found within 30 metres of Georgian Bay and unlikely to be found beyond 1km from the Bay.

Threats

• Habitat loss particularly of important habitat such as hibernation sites, road mortality and direct persecution are the greatest threats to this snake.
• The eastern foxsnake only occurs in 3 areas; approximately 70% of the population is in Ontario and there are remnant populations in northern Ohio and Michigan. It is considered a globally threatened species and its survival will be highly dependent on areas such as eastern Georgian Bay

Conservation Actions

• Please report sightings of foxsnakes especially if you notice areas where they are gathering in the fall.
• Watch out while driving. Far too many foxsnakes are killed along our roadways.