Non-poisonous Snakes Identification

Cornsnake (Elaphe guttata)

Corn snakes reach an average length of 30-40 inches; the maximum recorded length for this species is 72 inches. They usually weigh about 2 pounds.

Corn snakes inhabit a variety of habitats at elevations from sea level to about 6,000 feet (1,828 m). They can be found in wooded groves and meadows, on rocky hillsides, along waterways and in urban habitats, such as wooded lots, barn yards or abandoned houses.

Corn snakes, also called red rat snakes, belong to the largest snake family, Colubridae. This family represents more than three-fourths of the world's 2,700 snake species. Members of this family are found on all continents except Antarctica. Most colubrids are non-venomous, but some species are equipped with grooved fangs in the rear portions of the upper jaw. Some, like the cat-eyed snake, are venomous but are scarcely dangerous to humans. Corn snakes range from southern Pennsylvania south to Florida, and west to south Louisiana. Small pockets of corn snakes are found in Kentucky.