Download Snakes - The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Maryland Wilderness: Snakes
Interpretive Guide
Interpretive Tips: Maryland native snakes can be found in many exhibits throughout The
Maryland Wilderness, including the Caves, the Tree, and the Meadow. These exhibits are not
the current interpretive focus for The Maryland Wilderness, though some talking points are
listed below for special circumstances, such as Wild About Days.
Theme: Humans and wildlife can coexist
Talking Point: Dispelling fear
Related information:
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Snakes are feared by many people; they have a reputation for being slimy and
deadly.
Snakes are actually beneficial to have around, because snakes help to regulate
rodent populations. Most snakes that are native to Maryland are not typically
aggressive when left alone, and their scales are not slimy.
It is not necessary to harm or kill snakes that you encounter. Snakes can often be
found sunning themselves on rocks during the day, so use caution when hiking
through rocky areas.
Call to action: If you encounter a snake in the wild, the best way to prevent injury to you or the
snake is to leave it alone.
Talking Point: Respectfully observing wildlife.
Related information:
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There are 27 different snakes native to Maryland.
Snakes can be observed in a variety of places, such as a sunny rock, a tree branch, or
in the grass.
Snake species native to Maryland are not typically aggressive, and play an important
role in their ecosystem as regulators of rodent populations.
Those who discover a snake in the wild are very lucky; observing wild animals can be
very rewarding!
Call to action: Take care to avoid disturbing wild snakes, and never remove them from the wild.
2/16/2017
Interpreting Snakes
The Maryland Zoo
Maryland Wilderness: Snakes
Interpretive Guide
Snake Basics There are 27 snake species native to Maryland. The diet of most snakes is mostly
made up of small rodents, such as mice and rats. Due to this dietary preference, snakes play an
important role in regulating rodent populations. Additional characteristics and adaptations that
are common among snakes are listed below.
Snakes are Reptiles:
Reptiles are cold blooded, or ectothermic. This means that they rely on outside sources to
warm or cool their body. Because snakes spend less energy warming and cooling their body
compared to warm blooded or endothermic animals, such as humans, they require less food.
Reptiles living in climates that have cold winters undergo a process called brumation. When a
reptile brumates, it becomes lethargic and slow moving, sometimes not moving at all for the
whole season.
Reptiles are covered in scales. Scales are made of keratin, which is also found in mammalian
hair and nails. Snakes must shed their scales in order to grow; starting at their head, snakes
shed their scales all at once, revealing new, larger scales underneath.
Jacobson’s Organ:
Snakes have a special organ called the Jacobson’s organ that helps them smell, or “taste” the
air. The Jacobson’s organ is an extra olfactory organ located in the skulls of many animals,
including snakes. It functions much like a nose — when the snake sticks its tongue out, it grabs
molecules of air that it then transfers to the Jacobson’s organ, allowing it to “taste” the air.
Feeding strategies:
Snakes have two feeding strategies; constricting prey or delivering a venomous bite. Of the 27
snakes native to Maryland, only two are venomous.
Constrictors use their muscular body to wrap around prey and squeeze after seizing the
prey with their small, needle-like teeth. Constricting does not crush the animal; it
prevents the prey from obtaining enough oxygen, and reduces blood flow.
Venomous snakes use venom to kill their prey. When hunting, they strike quickly and
retreat if the prey is large, letting the toxins take effect before trying to swallow the
prey. If the prey is small, they hold the prey in their mouths until it succumbs to the
venom.
Snakes have extremely flexible tendons that attach their lower jaw to the rest of their skull,
allowing them to dislocate their mandible in order to swallow relatively large food. Additionally,
their chin contains flexible elastic tendons, allowing them to open their mandible sideways to
eat larger prey. A tube inside the mouth moves to the side and allows for continued oxygen
exchange. Without the tube, a snake eating a particularly large food item could suffocate.
2/16/2017
Interpreting Snakes
The Maryland Zoo
Black Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta
Description:
 Size:
o Length: Average between 3.5-6 feet – have been recorded up to 9 feet
 Weight: 3-4 lbs
 Physical description: A very large snake that is mostly black, with a white chin, and a
black and white checkered underside.
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Range: Central and eastern U.S.
 Habitat: Prefers woodland habitats near a water source; also found in rocky hillsides,
farmland, and in trees.
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Mostly eat mice and rats; also eats other small mammals, frogs, lizards,
bird eggs and young birds
Adaptations:
 Strong, muscular bodies are adapted for climbing up trees and branches to hunt birds
and eggs
 Defense behaviors:
o Produces a foul-smelling musk that is spread around with the tail to deter
predators
o Postures in an s-shaped coil to appear more intimidating and increase striking
range
o Can distort the shape of their head to resemble the anatomy of a venomous
snake
Lifespan:
 About 10-20 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Young individuals are vulnerable to a wide range of predators, including
foxes, raccoons, owls, hawks, and humans
 Adults have few known predators other than humans
 Role/Niche: Help to control rodent populations
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Spring
 Behavior:
3/2/2017
Black Rat Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Black Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta
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o Within a few weeks of emerging from their winter dens, males use pheromone
trails to locate females entering their territory. About 5 weeks after mating,
females lay eggs in a hidden area, such as under leaves, in a rotting log, or in an
abandoned burrow.
Development: Oviparous
o Females lay a clutch of 12 to 20 eggs.
o Females do not incubate the eggs or provide any parental care
o Eggs hatch after about 2 months
Maturation:
o Hatchlings are typically about a foot long and have a gray and black pattern that
darkens to all black as they grow
o Hatchlings can double their size in their first few months
Activity:
 Diurnal: During the spring and fall they are active and sun themselves during the day
 Nocturnal: During the summer they are more active at night
 Brumation: During the winter, gather in large numbers and share dens with members of
their own and other species
o Winter dens may be deep crevices or underground
Other “fun facts”:
 Sometimes called Eastern rat snakes. Also referred to as “pilot snakes” for the incorrect
belief that they lead other snakes to shelter.
 The most widely distributed species of common rat snake
 Black rat snakes are one of the largest snakes in North America
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern
 Threatened in some areas by intensive deforestation and development
 Commonly killed by humans because of their lack of knowledge and fear of snakes
 Wild snakes are sometimes collected and kept or sold as pets since they are fairly docile
and are thought to make good pets
At the Zoo
Here at The Zoo, the black ratsnake exhibit is located in the Tree Exhibit of the Maryland
Wilderness.
What We Can Do
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Do not harm or kill snakes. Snakes help keep down vermin populations.
Educate friends and family about the importance of engaging with wildlife in a
3/2/2017
Black Rat Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Black Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta
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respectful and responsible way. It can be very rewarding to observe wild snakes, but we
should take care to avoid disturbing them and should never remove them from the wild.
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat- conserve
energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
Additional Resources and References:
 Virginia Herpetological Society:
http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/easternratsnake/blackrat_snake.php
 IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63864/0
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/black-rat-snake/
 Animal Diversity Web:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Pantherophis_obsoletus/
 Michigan Department of Natural Resources: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7153-10370_12145_12201-61209--,00.html
 Sea World: http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animalbytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/reptilia/squa
mata/black-rat-snake.htm
 Encyclopedia of Life: http://eol.org/pages/794909/hierarchy_entries/24951425/details
3/2/2017
Black Rat Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Corn Snake
Elaphe guttata
Description:
 Size:
o Length: typically 24-48 in (61-122 cm)
 Weight: The Maryland Zoo’s corn snake weighs 1.3 lb (600 g)
 Physical description: A medium-sized snake with a slender body. The head is long and
slender relative to other snakes.
 Coloration: Coloration varies considerably throughout its range. Most individuals exhibit
brown and red-orange over most of the body, but some individuals display gray and/or
yellow on the body as well. Typically feature brightly colored bands or splotches on the
back and sides, along with a distinctive black and white “checkerboard” pattern along
the underside.
 Sexual dimorphism: Males typically have a longer, thicker tail
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Geographic range: Mid- Atlantic and southern U.S.
 Habitat: Relatively dry forests and meadows. Is also fairly tolerant of human activity, and
can be found in farmlands, suburban areas, and rarely-used buildings. As burrowing
animal, it prefers places that include loose, dry soil or pre-established burrows.
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Mostly eats small rodents, birds, and bats
o Juveniles consume large numbers of lizards and frogs
Adaptations:
 Batesian mimicry: The corn snake has a similar coloration to the copperhead, which is a
venomous snake found in many of the same areas. Due to this similarity, many
predators may confuse the non-venomous corn snake for the venomous copperhead,
and leave it alone. This phenomenon is known as Batesian [BAYT-see-uhn] mimicry.
 While this species prefers to hunt on or below the ground, it is also adept at climbing
trees. Young snakes in particular will climb trees in an attempt to find lizards or tree
frogs.
Lifespan:
 Wild: Unknown
 Captivity: Up to 25 years
Ecosystem Relationships:
 Predators: Birds of prey, carnivorous mammals such as foxes, and large snakes,
including black racers and eastern kingsnakes
3/2/2017
Corn Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Corn Snake
Elaphe guttata
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Role/niche: Serve as a control on rodent populations.
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Typically lasts from March to May, eggs hatch between JulySeptember
 Behavior:
o Like most snakes, males and females are only social during copulation and are
solitary for the rest of the year.
o Females deposit their eggs in decaying vegetation, rotting stumps, or other areas
that have sufficient heat and humidity for the eggs. No other parental care is
given.
 Development: Oviparous
o Females produce a single clutch of 10 to 20 eggs that hatch after 2 months.
o Captive snakes have been reported to have laid multiple clutches, but this has
not been observed in wild individuals.
 Maturation: Hatchlings are 10-15 in (25-38 cm) long at birth, and are immediately
independent. Sexual maturity occurs between 1.5-3 years
Activity:
 Crepuscular: Active both day and night, though they spend most of their time
undergrounds or hidden under objects/debris
o Primarily nocturnal during warmest summer months
Other “fun facts”:
 Name: There are multiple theories regarding the origin of this animal’s common name.
One of the most popular is that the snake’s coloration and unusual “checkerboard”
pattern on the underside is reminiscent of Indian corn. Another popular theory is that
this snake was frequently found in corn cribs and corn fields. While the snake was likely
eating mice in these places, the association stuck.
 Color Morphs: Their popularity in the pet trade has led to a wide variety of color
morphs, including piebald, albino, and other colors pattern not seen in wild animals.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 IUCN listed as Least Concern
o The species has a large range with numerous healthy subpopulations. The
population is also believed to be stable.
 Not listed on CITES
 Listed as threatened in some eastern states
 Threats:
o Habitat loss is a concern. As human activity changes grass and trees into
concrete and lampposts, this snake loses hunting and nesting territory. It is,
3/2/2017
Corn Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Corn Snake
Elaphe guttata
however, tolerant of mild habitat disturbance.
o Like many snakes, killing the animal out of fear or retribution may be a threat.
o This animal may be caught for the pet trade. However, they are widely bred in
captivity, and capture of wild specimens is likely a small concern.
At the Zoo
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Here at the Zoo, corn snakes are exhibited in the Tree Exhibit of the Maryland
Wilderness. Another corn snake is an Animal Ambassador at the Animal Embassy.
What We Can Do





Do not harm or kill snakes. Snakes help keep down vermin populations.
Educate friends and family about the importance of engaging with wildlife in a
respectful and responsible way. It can be very rewarding to observe wild snakes, but we
should take care to avoid disturbing them and should never remove them from the wild.
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat- conserve
energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
Additional Resources and References:
 National Zoo:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Cornsnake.cfm
 IUCN: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63863/0
 Savannah River Ecological Laboratory: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/elagut.htm
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/corn-snake/
 Virginia Herpetological Society:
http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/cornsnake/corn_snake.php
3/2/2017
Corn Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Description:
 Size:
o Length: up to 3.75 ft (115 cm)
 Physical Description: A stocky, medium-length snake characterized by a wide head,
upturned scales on the tip of the snout, and enlarged teeth towards the rear of the
mouth
 Coloration: Two color phases exist:
o Numerous dark blotches arranged in rows that run down the length of the spine
with a background color that may include gray, tan, pink, yellow, orange, and red
o The melanistic (heavily pigmented) phase that is nearly uniform black, with slight
gray peppering on the tail and underside
o The underside of both phases is typically cream to dark gray
 Sexual dimorphism:
o Males typically have longer tails relative to their body length
o Females are longer and heavier on average, and typically have more blotches on
their back
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Range: Found extensively throughout North America east of the Rocky Mountains.
o The species is primarily found north of the Gulf of Mexico into areas of southern
Canada, though they are absent from several areas near the Great Lakes.
 Habitat: Areas with loose, dry soil are the most preferable habitat, though they can be
found in ecotonal areas where differing habitats meet, or in urban areas given suitable
patches of habitat. Avoids aquatic areas except to move between feeding areas.
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Primarily adapted to eating toads and frogs, but they may also consume
salamanders, small birds, mammals, reptiles, eggs, and insects
Adaptations:
 Upturned scales: Scales on the snout are used to push soil out of the way to facilitate
digging
 Adaptations for hunting amphibians:
o Specialized hormones: While many toads secrete toxins through their skin,
hormones produced by hog-nosed snakes neutralize the poison and allow the
snakes to safely consume toads
o Amphibian-specific toxin: The snake’s saliva contains chemical compounds that
serve to subdue amphibian species, though it does not affect most nonamphibian species. Very few humans are affected by this toxin.
3/2/2017
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
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Defensive behavior:
o After being cornered, the first reaction of a hog-nosed snake is to inflate the
head and body to attain a cobra-like appearance, coil the body with an elevated
head, rapidly hiss, and strike without actually biting.
o If this behavior is not effective, the snake will begin to thrash while defecating
and excreting musk, which is then spread across the snake’s body by its
thrashing motion. It may also vomit its previous meal.
o After a minute or so of this behavior, the snake will lie on its back and become
completely limp. It stays in this position until the predator has left the area.
Lifespan:
 Wild: Unknown
 Captivity: Up to 11 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Any medium to large carnivore, but primarily larger snakes and hawks, may
eat this snake at any of its life stages
 Interspecies competitors: Mainly other predators, including snakes, birds of prey, and
mammalian carnivores
 Role/ Niche: Mostly function as a secondary consumer that suppresses amphibian
populations
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Spring – eggs laid in summer months
 Behavior: Females deposit eggs in sandy soil or under rocksand logs.
 Development: Oviparous
o Females typically lay 15-35 eggs per clutch; can lay as many as 60 eggs
o Females do not incubate the eggs or provide any parental care
o Eggs hatch after about 2 months
 Incubation: 2 months
 Maturation:
o Hatchlings are 6 – 10 inches in length
o Sexually mature at around 2 years of age, but continue to grow in size for the
entirety of the snake’s life
Activity:
 Diurnal
 Burrowers; will forage for frogs and toads that are burrowed in soil
Other “fun facts”:
 Rear-fangs: Large teeth located near the rear of the mouth are thought to be used to
3/2/2017
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
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puncture a toad that self-inflates defensively, though this has never been witnessed
Other common names include the word “adder” or “viper” – these names are
misnomers, as “adder” and “viper” are typically reserved for highly venomous snakes.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Listed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
o The species has a wide range and is not thought to be in decline. While wild
numbers are not well known, they are almost certainly well in excess of 100,000
individuals, and are fairly common in all parts of their range.
 CITES: no special status
 Conservation efforts:
o There are currently no major efforts directed towards hognose snake
conservation
o Because this snake’s major threat is habitat loss, any initiative the preserves
natural habitat directly benefits this animal
At the Zoo

Here at the Zoo, eastern hog-nosed snakes are exhibited in the Tree Exhibit of the
Maryland Wilderness. Another eastern hog-nosed snake is an Animal Ambassador at the
Animal Embassy.
What We Can Do





Do not harm or kill snakes. Snakes help keep down vermin populations.
Educate friends and family about the importance of engaging with wildlife in a
respectful and responsible way. It can be very rewarding to observe wild snakes, but we
should take care to avoid disturbing them and should never remove them from the wild.
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat- conserve
energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
3/2/2017
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Additional Resources and References:
 ADW: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Heterodon_platirhinos/
 IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63820/0
 Savannah River Ecology Lab: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/hetpla.htm
 Mitchell, Joseph C. The Reptiles of Virginia. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution,
1994. 213-16. Print.
3/2/2017
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum
Description:
 Size:
o Slender-bodied
o 24-36 in. on average (61-90 cm)
 Weight: 0.5-1.0 lb.
 Physical Description: Have wide, brightly colored, very distinct blotches or bands
running the entire length of their bodies in tan, black and heavy red or reddish-brown –
the bands differ in number and width with each individual.
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Range: Northeast United States, west to Minnesota and south to northern Alabama
 Habitat: Prefers river valleys, hillsides, woodlands, fields and other agricultural areas
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Prey mainly upon rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes.
Adaptations:
 Uses mimicry to scare off potential predators
o They have similar coloration and pattern to venomous coral snakes. By
mimicking the bright colors of coral snakes, the milksnake wards off potential
predators that don’t want to take a risk on potentially venomous prey.
 The Eastern milksnake is a type of kingsnake
o The “king” in their name refers to their willingness to eat other snakes, even
venomous ones, including rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths –
kingsnakes are able to eat venomous snakes because they are highly resistant to
their venom.
Lifespan:
 About 20-30 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, bobcats and
even other types of kingsnakes
 Role/Niche: Make a tremendous contribution to rodent control in the rural areas they
inhabit
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Late spring and summer
 Behavior:
3/2/2017
Eastern Milksnake
The Maryland Zoo
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum
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
o Females lay eggs in rotting wood or beneath rocks and logs, where conditions
are relatively warm and humid
o Females do not incubate the eggs or provide any parental care
Development: Oviparous
o Females lay an average of 10 eggs per clutch, ranging from 6-20 eggs
o Eggs hatch after about 2 months
Maturation:
o Each hatchling is only a few inches long when it leaves the egg, and looks like a
miniature version of the adults
o Are more brightly colored at birth than the adults, but their color fades as they
mature
Activity:
 Nocturnal
 Tend to stay out of sight, sheltering beneath fallen logs, stones or piles of debris
Other “fun facts”:
 The milksnake got its name from the widespread myth that it milks cows at night – they
may be seen in barns in search of rodents, but snakes do not drink milk.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Are not listed on the IUCN Red List – are considered stable and widespread
 Although they are not considered endangered, it is important to conserve their habitat
to maintain population levels, especially since they are so important for rodent control
 Commonly bred for the pet trade
At the Zoo

Here at the Zoo one eastern milksnake exhibited in the Maryland Wilderness Tree
What We Can Do



Do not harm or kill snakes. Snakes help keep down vermin populations.
Educate friends and family about the importance of engaging with wildlife in a
respectful and responsible way. It can be very rewarding to observe wild snakes, but we
should take care to avoid disturbing them and should never remove them from the wild.
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
3/2/2017
Eastern Milksnake
The Maryland Zoo
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum


o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat- conserve
energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
Additional Resources and References:
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/eastern-milksnake/
 San Diego Zoo: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-kingsnake.html
 Virginia Herpetological Society:
http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-milksnake/eastern_milksnake.php
Animal Diversity Web: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lampropeltis_triangulum/
3/2/2017
Eastern Milksnake
The Maryland Zoo
Northern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen
Description:
 Size: 1.8-4.4 feet long (22-53 in)
 Physical Description: A thick bodied snake with keeled, or ridged, scales. The head is
triangular in shape, with eyes that have elliptical pupils.
 Coloration: Head is reddish copper, with the rest of the body varying from pink to graybrown, with a dark brown hourglass pattern on its back and sides.
 Sexual dimorphism: Females are larger than males in total size, but males have longer
tails than females.
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Range: Widespread range throughout the eastern United States – northern most
portions of their range extends from Kansas to New England, and southern most
portions extend from Texas to northern Florida.
 Habitat: Prefers rocky hillsides in forested areas and various semi-aquatic habitats, such
as wetland shores or swamp edges.
o Brumates in rocky dens, animal burrows, hollow logs, etc.
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Eats rodents, small birds, lizards, frogs and insects
Adaptations:
 Copperheads use venom to help kill their prey
o When hunting, they strike quickly and retreat if the prey is large, letting the
toxins take effect before trying to swallow the prey. If the prey is small, they will
hold the prey in their mouths until it succumbs to the venom.
 Copperheads have excellent camouflage which helps them blend into their
environment. This helps them avoid detection from both predators and prey.
Copperheads belong to a group known as pit vipers, meaning that they have heat
sensitive pit organs located between the nostrils and the eyes. They are very sensitive to
minute changes in temperature, and can sense prey by their body heat.
Social Structure:
 Normally solitary, but hibernates in large groups in the winter
Lifespan:
 18 years on average, up to 30 years in captivity
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, and carnivorous mammals such as
3/2/2017
Northern Copperhead
The Maryland Zoo
Northern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen


coyotes and raccoons
Interspecies competitors: Compete with other snakes, birds of prey, and carnivorous
mammals for their prey
Role/ Niche: Copperheads are important in the ecosystem as both predators and prey.
They help keep the populations of rodents and other prolific animals in balance.
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: February to May, and August to October. Fall breeders store sperm
internally until the spring, when eggs are fertilized.
 Behavior:
o Males find receptive females by following scent trails and sometimes fight other
males for breeding rights
o Females sometimes mimic male fighting posture and refuse to mate with males
that back down
 Development: Ovoviviparous
o A clutch of 3 to 14 eggs develop within the body of the female.
o Eggs hatch within the female after 3 to 9 months and are “born live.”
o Females do not provide any parental care.
 Maturation:
o Young are about 8 inches long at birth
o Young burrow shortly after birth to brumate for the winter
o Reach reproductive maturity at about 4 years old
Activity:
 Diurnal or nocturnal, depending on season
Other “fun facts”:
 Copperhead venom is a hemotoxin, which breaks down red blood cells. It causes
bleeding, swelling and breathing difficulty. It is lethal venom to small mammals, but is
not normally lethal to humans in normal bite quantities.
 When threatened, copperheads emit a musk that smells like cucumbers.
 Copperhead venom has been used as a source for many medical breakthroughs.
o Some of venom’s more common effects include blocking the transmission of
nerve impulses, thinning blood, shocking the heart, and rapidly breaking down
flesh and muscle.
o Medicines have been synthesized using these properties to help treat pain,
reduce blood pressure, and treat a variety of neurological and infectious
diseases.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Listed on the IUCN Red List as least concern. Considered endangered in parts of its
3/2/2017
Northern Copperhead
The Maryland Zoo
Northern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen


range, such as Massachusetts.
Threats: Habitat loss, killed by humans, pet trade collection.
Conservation efforts: Not federally or internationally protected, but may be afforded
protections by the state. In Maryland, Northern copperheads, like all snakes native to
Maryland, are protected by the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act and
cannot be killed, possessed, bred, or sold without first acquiring the proper permit from
the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, Maryland requires a
Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit for the possession, breeding, and sale of native
reptiles and amphibians in the state.
At the Zoo

Here at The Zoo, two copperheads are exhibited in the Maryland Wilderness Cave
What We Can Do





Do not disturb. If you encounter a copperhead in the wild, the best way to prevent
injury to you or the snake is to leave it alone. Copperheads can often be found sunning
themselves on rocks during the day, so use caution when hiking through rocky areas.
Do not harm or kill copperheads. Not only is this against the law in Maryland, but
copperheads help keep down vermin populations. If one is found on your property, call
animal control or DNR in order to have it safely relocated.
Wild animals almost never make good pets. It is illegal to possess, breed or sell
venomous snakes in Maryland.
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat –
conserve energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
Additional Resources and References:
 Animal Diversity Web: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Agkistrodon_contortrix/
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/northern-copperhead/
 IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/64297/0
3/2/2017
Northern Copperhead
The Maryland Zoo
Northern Pine Snake
Pituophus melanoleucus melanoleucus
Description:
 Size: 4-5.5 ft in length (48-66 in)
 Weight: 4.4 lbs (2000g)
 Physical Description: Relatively small constrictor with a turtle-shaped head and a
pointed snout that is longer than the lower jaw. Scales are keeled, meaning that they
are ridged and dull in color.
 Coloration: Their backs are blotched brownish black, with white/cream undersides and
sides.
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Range: Northern and east-central United States from New Jersey to Alabama. Rare in
Maryland, but found in some places, such as the Isle of Wight, a wildlife management
area near Ocean City.
 Habitat: Prefer upland or evergreen woods and dry, sandy soil
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Eats mostly small rodents, birds and eggs
Adaptations:
 Small head and a thick neck are well adapted for burrowing.
 Have a piece of cartilage in their mouth that makes their hissing noise louder.
o The hissing mimics the sounds and tail rattling motion of a rattlesnake which can
be used to scare away predators.
Lifespan:
 Unknown in the wild, Up to 23 years in captivity.
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Has a variety of predators, such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, other snakes, and
when above ground, birds of prey. Eggs and young are also preyed upon by short-tailed
shrews.
 Interspecies competitors: Compete with other snakes such as black rat snakes and
eastern hognose snakes, as well as other small mammal predators such as birds of prey.
 Role/ Niche: Northern pine snakes are important predators of prolific animals such as
rodents. They also serve as prey for larger mammalian predators and birds of prey.
Reproduction:
 Special note: There is little research on the breeding habits of the Northern subspecies
of eastern pine snakes. The information below is breeding information researched on
3/2/2017
Northern Pine Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Northern Pine Snake
Pituophus melanoleucus melanoleucus




the Florida subspecies, but it is probably similar to the northern subspecies.
Breeding season: once yearly, usually in April-May. Eggs are laid in mid-summer.
Behavior:
o Are polygynous, meaning that one male breeds with several females.
o Nest in semi-damp burrows in the ground, which are often used by the same
female year after year
Development: Oviparous
o Females can lay several dozen eggs per clutch.
o Eggs hatch after 2.5 to 3 months
Maturation:
o Can lay several dozen eggs per clutch. Young are quite large when hatched,
already about 18 inches long.
o Young are reproductively mature at about 3 years old.
Activity:
 Mostly diurnal
 Are good burrowers, and spend most of their time underground
Other “fun facts”:
 Northern pine snakes are the second largest snake in northeast North America.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern.
 CITES- Not listed
 Threats: The biggest threat to Northern pine snakes is habitat loss.
 Conservation efforts: Although as a species, pine snakes are not threatened, certain
subspecies and local populations are, and the population as a whole is in decline.
Conservation efforts are mostly focused on preserving and protecting their habitat.
At the Zoo

Here at the Zoo, northern pine snakes are housed in the cave section of the Maryland
Wilderness.
What We Can Do



Do not harm or kill snakes. Snakes help keep down vermin populations.
Educate friends and family about the importance of engaging with wildlife in a
respectful and responsible way. It can be very rewarding to observe wild snakes, but we
should take care to avoid disturbing them and should never remove them from the wild.
Do your research before buying a pet
3/2/2017
Northern Pine Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Northern Pine Snake
Pituophus melanoleucus melanoleucus


o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat- conserve
energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
Additional Resources and References:
 IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63873/0
 Animal Diversity Web: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pituophis_melanoleucus/
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/northern-pine-snake/
 Savannah River Ecology Laboratory: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/pitmel.htm
 Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries:
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/pinesnake/
3/2/2017
Northern Pine Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Mole Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata
Description:
 Size:
o Length: 30-40 in (76-102 cm)
o Weight: 0.5-1 lbs (226-453 g)
 Physical Description: Small to medium sized snake with smooth scales.
 Coloration: Light brown to reddish brown body color, with darker oval spots along the
entire back.
 Sexual dimorphism: Sexes mostly similar, but females tend to have shorter tails than
males.
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Range: Eastern and Gulf Coast states of the U.S., with some gaps in its range through
these states. In Maryland, found mostly on the eastern shore and southern Maryland,
and is absent in western Maryland and the Appalachian mountains.
 Habitat: Open woodland, brush-covered hillsides, agricultural areas, grasslands, and
pastures. Prefers edge habitat between agricultural areas and woodlands, and well
drained, sandy soil.
Diet:
 Carnivorous : Mostly eat rodents, other snakes and small lizards
Adaptations:
 Avoids predation by burrowing and spending much of their life underground
Lifespan:
 About 20 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Birds of prey, raccoons, and occasionally other snakes
 Interspecies competitors: Mostly birds of prey and other snakes compete for prey
 Role/ Niche: Are important predators of small mammals and other snakes. They help
keep their populations in balance. They also serve as a source of food for some
predators.
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Spring and early summer. Eggs hatch in late summer and early fall.
 Behavior:
o Males find females by smelling for pheromone trails.
o Females choose nesting sites; female leaves the nest after laying eggs.
3/2/2017
Mole Kingsnake
The Maryland Zoo
Mole Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata



Development: Oviparous
o Females lay a clutch of 10-12 eggs
o Females do not incubate the eggs or provide any parental care
o Eggs hatch after about 2 months
Offspring: 10-12 eggs per clutch
Maturation:
o Are 5-7 inches long after hatching
o Receive no parental care
Activity:
 Nocturnal
Other “fun facts”:
 Mole kingsnakes are rarely seen in the wild because they live underground and are most
active at night. Because of their reclusiveness, their biology is not well known or
studied.
 Due to their coloration, mole kingsnakes are often misidentified as copperheads.
 Kingsnakes get their name for their willingness to eat other snakes, including venomous
ones.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern
 Conservation efforts: Mole kingsnakes are thought to be relatively abundant. They are
not listed as threatened or vulnerable in any of their native states. Because of their
reclusiveness, they are relatively well protected from predation and from persecution by
humans.
At the Zoo

At the Zoo we currently house one mole kingsnake in the Maryland Wilderness
Meadow.
What We Can Do



Do not harm or kill snakes. Snakes help keep down vermin populations.
Educate friends and family about the importance of engaging with wildlife in a
respectful and responsible way. It can be very rewarding to observe wild snakes, but we
should take care to avoid disturbing them and should never remove them from the wild.
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
3/2/2017
Mole Kingsnake
The Maryland Zoo
Mole Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata


o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat- conserve
energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
Additional Resources and References:
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/mole-kingsnake/
 Florida Museum of Natural History: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/flsnakes/list/lampropeltis-calligaster-rhombomaculata
 Virginia Herpetological Society:
http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/molekingsnake/mole_kingsnake.htm
 Encyclopedia of Life: http://eol.org/pages/1280647/details
 Savannah River Ecology Laboratory: http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/lamcal.htm
IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63826/0
3/2/2017
Mole Kingsnake
The Maryland Zoo
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Description:
 Size:
o Length: 3- 5 ft (90-152 cm)
o Weight: 1-2.2 lbs (0.5-1 kg)
 Physical Description: A large venomous snake. The head istriangular, with eyes that have
vertical pupils. Ridged scales give it a rough-skinned appearance.
 Coloration: Timber rattlesnakes have several color morphs. There is a black morph,
which has a grey background with patterns of black above. The yellow morph is mostly
tan, with yellow patterns and brown patches. There are also mixtures and variations on
these color morphs.
 Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger than females
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Range: Historically found throughout most of the eastern US, and parts of the Midwest.
It has been extirpated through much of its range however, and it has a much more
fragmented range now throughout these regions.
 Habitat: Timber rattlesnakes prefer rocky woodlands in the northern parts of their
range, and swampy areas in the southern parts of their range.
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Mostly eats rodents, rabbits, and occasionally birds
Adaptations:
 As a venomous snake, Timber rattlesnakes kill prey by injecting it with venom. Snakes in
different parts of the range have different types of venom.
o Type A- Found throughout their southern range, this venom is mostly neurotoxic,
causing uncontrollable muscle spasms, loss of control of respiratory muscles, and
death via asphyxiation.
o Type B- Found mostly in the northern parts of their range, this venom is mostly
hemotoxic, causing tissue destruction and bleeding.
o Type A-B- found where the two variants geographically overlap, can have
components of both or either toxin.
o Type C- A relatively weak toxin found in some individual’s venoms that is slightly
neurotoxic.
 Rattlesnake’s patterns provide good camouflage, enabling them to remain unseen by
both their predators and prey.
 Timber rattlesnakes belong to a group known as pit vipers, meaning that they have heat
sensitive pit organs located between the nostrils and the eyes. They are very sensitive to
minute changes in temperature, and can sense prey by their body heat.
3/2/2017
Timber Rattlesnake
The Maryland Zoo
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus

Rattlesnakes have specially adapted scales on their tail, which they can shake to make
the characteristic rattle. This serves as a warning to potential predators, allowing the
rattlesnake to conserve venom for its prey.
Social Structure:
 Solitary when active, brumates in communal dens
Lifespan:
 Up to 37 years in captivity, and up to 30 years in the wild.
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Sometimes preyed upon by birds of prey, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, etc.
 Interspecies competitors: Other predators of small mammals, such as birds of prey,
carnivorous mammals and other snakes.
 Human interaction: Often feared and killed by humans
 Role/ Niche: Timber rattlesnakes are important predators of small mammals. They help
keep the populations of those animals in balance. They also serve as a food source for
some predators.
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Late summer and early fall.
 Behavior:
o Timber rattlesnakes are polygynous, meaning males mate with more than one
female.
o Males will follow scent trails of reproductively active females and often fight for
the right to breed with reproductively active females by engaging in ritualized
wrestling, trying to pin one another.
o Females only reproduce once every 2-6 years, with an average breeding interval
of once every 3 years.
 Development: Ovoviviparous
o Females store sperm through the winter for use in the spring after brumation.
o A clutch of 1-20 eggs develop within the body of the female the following year
o Eggs hatch within the female, and young are “born live” in the fall.
 Maturation: Males become reproductively mature at about 4-6 years old. Females
become reproductively mature at about 7-13 years old.
Activity:
 Diurnal during spring and fall; nocturnal during summer; brumate throughout winter
Other “fun facts”:
 Contrary to popular belief, the timber rattlesnake does not have one rattle per year of
3/2/2017
Timber Rattlesnake
The Maryland Zoo
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus


age, but rather gains a rattle each time it sheds. So the faster a rattlesnake grows, the
more rattles it will have.
Rattlesnake venom has been the source of many medical breakthroughs. Derivatives
have been used to make medicines to treat heart problems, pain, blood pressure issues,
and research is being done on treatments for epilepsy, MS, and Parkinson’s disease
using components of rattlesnake venom. Some components are also useful in treating
infectious diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis and malaria.
Not all snakes that make a rattle noise are necessarily rattlesnakes. Many local species
of snakes rapidly flick their tail on the ground and dead leaves and mimic the
rattlesnakes rattle. This causes lots of snakes to be killed because they are falsely
identified as rattlesnakes.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Listed on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern, but listed as an endangered animal in
Maryland, due to its loss and fragmentation of habitat and decreasing population
trends.
 Threats: Habitat loss, killed by humans, pet trade collection.
 Conservation efforts: While once widespread throughout their range, timber
rattlesnakes have vanished from many areas and remaining populations are patchy. It is
illegal to possess or harm a timber rattlesnake in this state.
At the Zoo

At the Zoo 2 timber rattlesnakes are exhibited in the Maryland Wilderness Cave.
What We Can Do





Do not disturb. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake in the wild, the best way to
prevent injury to you or the snake is to leave it alone. Timber rattlesnakes can often be
found sunning themselves on rocks during the day, so use caution when hiking through
rocky areas.
Do not harm or kill timber rattlesnakes. Not only is this against the law in Maryland, but
timber rattlesnakes help keep down vermin populations. If one is found on your
property, call animal control or DNR in order to have it safely relocated.
Wild animals almost never make good pets. It is illegal to possess, breed or sell
venomous snakes in Maryland.
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat –
conserve energy and resources, reduce litter and pollution.
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat.
3/2/2017
Timber Rattlesnake
The Maryland Zoo
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Additional Resources and References:
 Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern
and Central North America. Third Edition Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston
 Animal Diversity Web: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crotalus_horridus/
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/timber-rattlesnake/
 Department of Environmental Conservation: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7147.html
 IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/64318/0
 Arkive: http://www.arkive.org/timber-rattlesnake/crotalus-horridus/
Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/herps/Squamata.aspx?SnakeName=Timber%20
Rattlesnake
3/2/2017
Timber Rattlesnake
The Maryland Zoo