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Western Milksnake
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis gentilis
Terrestrial
Native
Nonvenomous
A medium snake- 18-23 inches long. Red with a series of white crossbands that are borderd on either side by black crossbands.The underside is dull white with scattered black marks. The top of the head is black with various markings on snout, either white, black, or black with red or white spots. Scales are smooth and in 21 rows.
Range and Habitat
Occur in bottomland hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Found along the Red River Valley and southeastward along the lower Mississippi River floodplain. Can also occur in forested areas of southwestern Louisiana.
Behavior
Appear secretive and rarely observed during the day. Often concealed under bark of dead trees or inside rotten logs and stumps. Feed on lizards and small snakes. Lay 3-9 eggs.
Population Status
Populations are considered stable within the state.