Corn Snake  (Elaphe guttata)

The corn snake, also known as the red rat snake, is one of Georgia's most beautiful snakes. Due to its beauty, it is very popular in the pet trade where it comes in a variety of different color patterns that are achieved through selective breeding. In Georgia, the corn snake is protected by law and must be kept in captivity only by those possessing a permit from the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources. This is true not only for the naturally occurring color pattern but also the many different color morphs produced in captivity. The corn snake is closely related to the black and gray rat snakes and also is as adept at climbing. Often occupying a variety of habitats, the corn snake can often be found in pine or hardwood forests as well as agricultural fields and suburban areas. Killing their prey by constriction, they consume frogs, lizards, other snakes, birds and their eggs but mostly dine on small mammals such as mice and rats. After their spring mating occurs, females can lay as many as 40 eggs that hatch about 2 months later. The young corn snakes resemble the adults but usually possess bolder colors. Although this snake is harmless, it may bite and even vibrate its tail like a rattlesnake if harassed. Unfortunately, many people often mistake this harmless beauty for the venomous copperhead and needlessly kill them.