Western fox snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western fox snake |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pantherophis
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| Species: |
ramspotti
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The western fox snake, also known by its scientific name Pantherophis ramspotti, is a type of rat snake. You can find it in the upper midwestern United States, mainly west of the Mississippi River. This snake is completely non-venomous, meaning it's not harmful to people.
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What's in a Name?
The scientific name for this snake is ramspotti. It was named to honor Joseph Ramspott. He was a young person who loved studying reptiles and amphibians, called a herpetologist.
Becoming Its Own Species
Before 2011, scientists thought the western fox snake was the same as the eastern fox snake. The eastern fox snake's scientific name is Pantherophis vulpinus. Sometimes, P. vulpinus was even called the western fox snake.
In 2011, a group of scientists suggested something new. They proposed that the Mississippi River should be the dividing line. Snakes found west of the river would be called P. ramspotti. Those found east of the river would be P. vulpinus. This change meant P. vulpinus became the eastern fox snake. The new P. ramspotti became the western fox snake.
Where Do Western Fox Snakes Live?
You can find Pantherophis ramspotti in the upper midwestern United States. They live only to the west of the Mississippi River.
Their close relatives, the eastern fox snakes (Pantherophis vulpinus), live east of the Mississippi River. These two types of snakes do not live in the same areas. There is no place where their territories overlap.
What Do Western Fox Snakes Eat?
Western fox snakes are constrictors. This means they squeeze their prey to catch it. They mostly eat mice and other small rodents. Sometimes, they also eat young rabbits, frogs, and even eggs.
How Do Western Fox Snakes Behave?
These snakes are quite brave. They can be found close to other animals and even people if they are not bothered. If a western fox snake feels threatened, it has a special trick. It will shake its tail to sound like a rattlesnake. This helps to scare away anything that might be a danger.
They also coil their body into an "S" shape. Then, they can snap very quickly. These actions are all ways for the snake to defend itself. They just want to escape from danger.
- Species Pantherophis ramspotti at The Reptile Database
