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Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum

The eastern milksnake will vibrate its tail to make a rattle like sound as part of its defense.

COSEWIC Status: Special Concern

COSSARO Status: Special Concern

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

Special Concern

This is a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

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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

Special Concern

This is a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

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S. Gilingwater

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

Food

• Food consists mostly of small mammals, although they may also feed on small birds and eggs.
• They will kill larger prey by constriction.

Habits and Reproduction

• Hibernate in mammal burrows, rock crevices and house foundations, often communally (with other snakes) and emerge in mid-April.
• Typically remain undercover throughout the day and are active at night (nocturnal).
• Return to their hibernation sites by October.
• Lives on average 7-10 years.
• Mate in early spring, and lay 6-20 eggs in late June or early July under rotting logs and leaf litter;
• Maturity is reached after 4 years.

Habitat

• May be found in open forest, field and wetland habitat. Often found around farmhouses, barns, sheds and woodpiles.

Threats

• Habitat loss, road mortality and direct persecution are the greatest threats to this snake.

Conservation Actions

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