Module 1.3: Snakes
Interpretive Guide
Interpreting With Snakes: Snakes are typically viewed as scary pests, or interesting pets. The
theme of your conversations may differ from group to group depending on the program, or
your audience’s perceptions of snakes.
“Yikes, a snake!” Snakes often have a bad reputation for being scary, slimy and dangerous.
Certain animals may seem really scary, but after learning a little bit about them, we can see
how interesting and important they are.
Not all snakes are scary. Changing the negative perception of snakes is important for
their survival. Some people who fear snakes prefer that they are not in their garden or
near their home, and may take extreme measures to remove them. What many people
don’t know is that they are good to have around!
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Snakes eat common household pests, like mice and rats. Kingsnakes also eat
other snakes, including venomous snakes! What are some adaptations snakes
have for hunting?
Snakes aren’t typically aggressive towards humans. If you spot one in the wild,
simply maintain a safe distance or allow it to move away from you.
*Fun Fact: There are 27 snake species native to Maryland; only two are venomous; the
copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.
“Cool, a snake! I want one.” Snakes are a popular pet in many households, but they might not
be the best choice for everyone. Some snakes get really big, and all snakes require specialized
care.
Do your homework. Owning a pet is a big responsibility. It is important to research what
an animal requires, and where it came from, before bringing one home. Some things to
consider before purchasing a snake include:
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Where it came from
o Explain why it is important to avoid wild-caught pets.
Housing, diet, and temperature requirements
Size and lifespan
Embassy Snakes
The Maryland Zoo
Snake Basics
Common snake adaptations
Snakes are Reptiles:
Reptiles are cold blooded, or ectothermic. This means that they rely on outside sources to
warm or cool its body. A snake can often be observed basking in the sun, or resting on hot
rocks for warmth. If a snake is too warm, it may retreat to a cooler place, like a burrow or
shaded area. Because it spends less energy warming and cooling its body compared to a
warm blooded, or endothermic animal, such as a human, it requires less food.
*Fun fact: Depending on their size, snakes at the Zoo are offered food only once a week,
or once a month!
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 a major component of the snake’s hunting ability, and is
also used to detect pheromone communication from other animals.
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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.
Snakes do have noses, and can smell with them. The Jacobson’s organ increases the
amount of information taken from the snake’s surroundings, allowing it to better
pinpoint its prey.
Constricting Prey:
Some snakes kill their prey by delivering a venomous bite. We do not have venomous
snakes in the Embassy, all Embassy snakes are constrictors. After seizing a prey animal with its
small, needle-like teeth, a constrictor will wrap its body around the prey and squeeze. This does not
crush the animal; instead it prevents the prey from obtaining enough oxygen. Once the prey has
suffocated, the snake will begin to consume it.
Specialized Jawbones:
Unlike humans, snakes have extremely flexible tendons attaching 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. Due to this flexibility, they
can open their mandible sideways, further increasing the possible size of their food.
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Rhythmic muscular contractions help to push food down their throats and into their
stomachs.
When eating large food, a tube in their mouth will move to the side and allow for
continued oxygen exchange. Without the tube, a snake eating a particularly large food
item could suffocate.
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Embassy Snakes
The Maryland Zoo
Ball Python
Python regius
Description:
 Size:
o Length: 3.25- 6 ft (1-1.83 m)
o Diameter: 4-6 in (10-15 cm) at thickest point
 Weight: 4.5-9 lbs (2-4 kg)
 Sexual dimorphism:
o Females are larger than male, with a thinner and shorter tail
o Males are generally more slender with a smaller head
 Physical description: A medium- length but thick-bodied snake. The head is typically
slender but long with pits across the lips. The tail is short and thin compared to the rest
of the body.
 Coloration: Typically has a dark brown base color with light brown or khaki markings
across the rest of the body. May have a yellow-brown strip that runs across the eyes.
The belly is typically an ivory color.
o Extensive captive breeding has resulted in color morphs not seen in wild
specimens
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Geographic range: Found in central and western Africa slightly north of the Equator
 Preferred habitat: Usually found in grasslands, open forests, and areas that have been
cleared for farming
Diet:
 Carnivorous
o Feed mostly on rodents including several species of rat native to Africa
o Also hunt other small mammals, birds and amphibians
Adaptations:
 Labial pits: The small pits lining the upper jaw of this animal are called labial pits, and
contain the pit organ, a sensory organ that can detect heat. It allows the snake to “see”
the infrared spectrum. When hunting warm-blooded animals such as mice, this helps
the snake to detect prey against its relatively cold surroundings.
 Camouflage: The variations in color and pattern can break up the outline of the snake’s
body, which makes it less noticeable for predators
 Defensive behavior: When a ball python feels threatened, it will first attempt to bluff,
and then try to run. If a predator corners it, it may curl its body into a ball with the head
at the center of the sphere, which gives it its common name.
 Aestivation: Aestivation is similar to hibernation, but is a response in ectotherms to
extreme heat instead of extreme cold. Hibernation implies an extremely low
10/23/2016
Ball Python
The Maryland Zoo
Ball Python
Python regius
metabolism, while aestivation is simply a lowered metabolism from which the animal
can easily emerge.
Lifespan:
 Wild: About 10 years
 Captivity: Typically live 20-30 years; some individuals have been reported to have lived
as long as 50 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Medium to large carnivores including black cobras, birds of prey, and humans
 Role/niche:
o Controls the population of prey species, particularly rodents
o Are a source of food for other animals higher up the food chain
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Typically corresponds to the rainy season, which lasts from September
to November
 Behavior:
o Males and females briefly associate during mating, but leave shortly after
copulation.
o The female typically uses abandoned burrows as nests.
 Incubation: Eggs gestate in the female’s body for around 2 months. After laying the
eggs, the female will usually coil her body around the clutch and shiver her body to
produce warmth. The incubation period usually lasts for 2-3 months.
 Clutch size: Lay 1-11 eggs per clutch
 Maturation: Young are 10-17 inches long at birth and immediately independent; they
may stay near the nest for several months before finding their own territory.
Activity:
 Crepuscular: Are most active at dawn and dusk and spend midday in an underground
burrow
Other “fun facts”:
 Anal spurs: Found next to the cloaca, both females and males have small claws the can
protrude from the skin. These are the remnants of legs, and are sometimes used to
assist in copulation.
 Name: The ball python’s other common name is “royal python.” That name and its
scientific name, Python regius, are both references to the manner in which some
members of African royalty would wear this snake as a bracelet or necklace.
 Cultural symbols: In some African cultures, the snake is revered as a symbol of the Earth,
due to its proximity and connectedness to the ground. In these cultures, the snake is
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Ball Python
The Maryland Zoo
Ball Python
Python regius
protected, and funerals may be held for dead snakes.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 IUCN listed as Least Concern
o The species has a very large range, and it is thought that any population decline
is not significant enough to warrant a higher rating
 CITES—Appendix II
o Appendix II is reserved for animals whose status is currently stable, but may
require further regulation in the near future. CITES limits the export of wild
animals by requiring permits.
 Threats:
o Chief threat is the pet trade. Wild specimens are frequently caught and sold
internationally as pets. Because ball pythons are typically docile and hardy, they
are seen as ideal beginner pet animals. Removing young animals from the wild
has a negative impact because it can remove certain genes completely from the
wild population, and also creates an age gap as entire generations are removed.
o This snake is also killed in certain parts of its range. While some killing is done
out of fear, most snakes are killed for their meat and their skin, which can be
turned into leather.
o Habitat loss may be a minor threat to this animal. It seems to thrive in the farms,
especially when farms attract large numbers of rodents.
 Conservation efforts: There are no conservation efforts specific to this African snake.
However, several northern African nations, such as Nigeria and South Sudan, have set
up wildlife preserves that protect many African animals, including ball pythons.
At the Zoo
Tarrin came from the reptile house in 1989; age, previous history, and gender are unknown.
What We Can Do



Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat –
conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution
Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy – opt for fake leather over snake
skin products
o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife
so when available opt for recycled and local products
o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or
testing
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
10/23/2016
Ball Python
The Maryland Zoo
Ball Python
Python regius
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
Additional Resources and References:
 San Diego Zoo: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-python.html
 The Maryland Zoo in Baltimorehttp://www.marylandzoo.org/animalsconservation/reptiles/ball-python/
 IUCN: http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/177562/0
 Animal Diversity Web: http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Python_regius/

Mehrtens, John M. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Pub., 1987.
10/23/2016
Ball Python
The Maryland Zoo
California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getelus californiae
Description:
 Size:
o Length: 2.5 to 4 ft (76-122 cm)
 Weight: Up to 3.3 lb (1.5 kg)
 Physical description: A medium length snake with large scales on the head.
 Coloration: Typically black or brown with bands or stripes of white or cream running the
entire length of their body.
o The banded variant is much more common than the striped variant.
o Other color variants are not uncommon throughout the snake’s range, including
some with zebra-like white stripes, spots, or combinations of stripes and bands
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Geographic range: Found in the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico
 Habitat: Deserts and semi-deserts, brush, and deciduous and pine forests
o Mainly terrestrial (ground dwelling), but sometimes climbs into low branches
and shrubs
Diet:
 Carnivorous:
o Prey mainly upon rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes, including venomous
rattlesnakes
Adaptations:
 Camouflage: The variations in color and pattern can break up the outline of the snake’s
body, which makes it less noticeable for predators
 Venom immunity: King snakes are able to eat venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes due
to their resistance to rattlesnake venom. Their resistance is owed to venom-neutralizing
proteins in their blood.
 While king snakes are mostly immune to the venom of local snakes, they display
no such resistance to exotic venomous snakes.
 Defensive behavior: When threatened, this snake will coil itself into a strike posture and
vibrate its tail. While it does not look like a rattle snake, this quick vibration can produce
noises that sound similar to a rattle. When threatened, kingsnakes may aslo strike and
discharge a foul-smelling musk. While this musk may serve as a defense by itself, it also
likely acts as a warning to other nearby king snakes.
Lifespan:
 Wild: Unknown
 Captivity: About 20-30 years
10/23/2016
California Kingsnake
The Maryland Zoo
California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getelus californiae
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, bobcats,
and other king snakes
 Role/niche: Because rattlesnakes can be extremely dangerous, they can function as an
apex predator. However, king snakes are able to prey on rattlesnakes, and in turn can be
eaten by animals that are unable to consume rattlesnakes, which increases energy
turnover in the ecosystem.
 Also function as a control on their other prey species, including rodents
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Typically breed in late spring and summer
 Behavior: Females lay eggs in rotting wood or beneath rocks and logs, where conditions
are warm and relatively humid
 Incubation: Eggs hatch after 2 to 3 months
 Clutch size: Typically 3 to 13 eggs
 Maturation: Each hatchling is only a few inches long at hatching, and looks like a
miniature version of the adult.
Activity:
 May be diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal
o Activity depends on the daytime temperatures and which part of the range the
individual inhabits.
 More southerly individuals will be largely nocturnal during the hottest
parts of the year, while northern individuals will be most active during
the day during cooler parts of the year
Other “fun facts”:
 Kingsnake diversity: Kingsnakes are all part of the genus Lampropeltis, which is found
only in the Americas and also includes milk snakes. All members engage in the habit of
eating other snakes, including venomous species, or cannibalizing their own.
o The California kingsnake is a subspecies of the common kingsnake. The various
subspecies vary considerably in size and color, but are all genetically similar, and
are all found in the lower 2/3 of the U.S. and northern Mexico.
 Name: The kingsnake’s common name is a reference to the fact that it will eat other
snakes, making it “king” of them all. The king cobra has its common name for the same
reason. The genus name Lampropeltis comes from the Greek “lampros,” meaning
“radiant,” and “pelta,” meaning “small shields.”Getula is derived from the Getulians
peoples of Morroco. Getulian culture frequently features the chain-like pattern found
on the eastern subspecies.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 IUCN listed as Least Concern
10/23/2016
California Kingsnake
The Maryland Zoo
California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getelus californiae
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o Species has a very large range with stable populations throughout its habitat
Not listed on CITES
Threats:
o Like many snakes, killing the animal out of fear or retribution may be a threat.
However, the benefit of this snake consuming more venomous species such as
rattlesnakes is well recognized, and this animal is generally tolerated throughout
its range.
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
Elvis is a female who hatched in 2010 and was purchased from a breeder as a juvenile in 2011.
What We Can Do



Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat –
conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution
Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy – opt for fake leather over snake
skin products
o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife
so when available opt for recycled and local products
o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or
testing
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
Additional Resources and References:
 San Diego Zoo: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-kingsnake.html
 Oakland Zoo: http://www.oaklandzoo.org/California_King_Snake.php
 IUCN: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63828/0
 Weinstein, et al. http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a269704.pdf
 http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/easternkingsnake/eastern_kingsnake.php
 Markel, Ronald G. Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications,
10/23/2016
California Kingsnake
The Maryland Zoo
California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getelus californiae

1990. Print.
Shaw, Charles E., and Sheldon Campbell. Snakes of the American West. New York:
Knopf;, 1974. Print.
10/23/2016
California Kingsnake
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
o Primarily consume 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
highly 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.
 Adaptive: While this species prefers to hunt on or below the ground, it is also an
arboreal animal, which means it is 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:
10/23/2016
Corn Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Corn Snake
Elaphe guttata
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Predators: Birds of prey, carnivorous mammals such as foxes, and large snakes,
including black racers and eastern kingsnakes
Role/niche: Serve as a control on rodent populations, which benefits the rest of the
ecosystem by reducing the impact of these quickly-reproducing generalists
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 part
ways shortly thereafter.
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.
 Gestation/incubation: Eggs develop in the female’s body for about 2 months before
being deposited, and then develop for another 2 months before hatching.
 Litter/offspring: Typically consists of a single clutch of 10-20 eggs. 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
o 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 an immense 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
10/23/2016
Corn Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Corn Snake
Elaphe guttata
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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,
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
Muffin was acquired in 2015 from the Carrie Murray Nature Center where he had been a
program animal. Previous history and age are unknown.
What We Can Do




Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat –
conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution
Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy – opt for fake leather over snake
skin products
o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife
so when available opt for recycled and local products
o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or
testing
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
Corn snakes can be found in agricultural and suburban areas. Try not to disturb any
snakes living in your area; they are neither venomous nor aggressive and can keep
rodent populations in check.
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
10/23/2016
Corn Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Corn Snake
Elaphe guttata
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
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
10/23/2016
Corn Snake
The Maryland Zoo
Pueblan Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
Description:
 Size:
o Length: Typically 24-36 in (61-90 cm)
 Weight: 0.5-1 lb (0.2-0.45 kg)
 Physical description: A medium-small snake with a slender body.
 Coloration: Snout is black. The rest of the body is covered in alternating bands of red
and white or off-white, separated by black bands. Each band is similar in width. The
patterning continues on the lower (ventral) surface, but the red bands may be
incomplete.
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Geographic range: Native to a number of Mexican states including Puebla, Morelos, and
Oaxaca
 Habitat: Arid highland deserts, typically at altitudes above 5,500 ft
Diet:
 Carnivorous:
o Prey mainly upon rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes, including venomous
rattlesnakes
Adaptations:
 Venom immunity: King snakes are able to eat venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes due
to their resistance to rattlesnake venom. Their resistance is owed to venom-neutralizing
proteins in their blood.
 While king snakes are mostly immune to the venom of local snakes, they display
no such resistance to exotic venomous snakes.
 Batesian mimicry: The milksnake has a very similar coloration to the coral snake, which
is a highly venomous snake species found in many of the same areas. Many predators
may confuse the non-venomous milksnake for the venomous coral snake, and leave it
alone. This phenomenon is known as Batesian [BAYT-see-uhn] mimicry.
Lifespan:
 Wild: Unknown
 Captivity: Up to 20 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, bobcats,
and other king snakes
 Role/niche: Because rattlesnakes can be extremely dangerous, they can function as an
apex predator. However, king snakes are able to prey on rattlesnakes, and in turn can be
eaten by animals that are unable to consume rattlesnakes, which increases energy
10/23/2016
Pueblan Milksnake
The Maryland Zoo
Pueblan Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
turnover in the ecosystem.
o Also function as a control on their other prey species, including rodents
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Typically breed in late spring and summer
 Behavior: Females lay eggs in rotting wood or beneath rocks and logs, where conditions
are relatively warm and humid
 Incubation: Eggs hatch after about 2 months
 Clutch size: Averages 10 eggs per clutch, but may range from 6-20 eggs
o Parents provide no care after laying the eggs
 Maturation:
o Each hatchling is only a few inches long when it leaves the egg, but otherwise
appears almost identical to adults
o Colors are very bright at birth, but usually dull as the snakes age
o Maturity is reached between 3-4 years of age
Activity:
 Nocturnal: Active at night
o Takes shelter beneath fallen logs, stones, or piles of debris during the day
Other “fun facts”:
 Milksnake diversity: Milksnakes are all part of the genus Lampropeltis, which is found
only in the Americas and includes other types of kingsnakes. All members engage in the
habit of eating other snakes, including venomous species or cannibalizing their own.
o The Pueblan milksnake is a subspecies of milksnake. Different subspecies vary in
size and color, but are all genetically similar, and are all found east and south of
the Rocky Mountains.
 Name:
o Milksnakes gained their common name from an old belief that milk snakes would
wrap themselves around the leg of cows and drink milk from the udder. While
milksnakes are commonly found in barns, they are most likely hunting mice
instead.
o The milksnake is a kind of kingsnake, which is so named because it eats other
snakes, making it “king” of them all. The king cobra has its common name for the
same reason.
o The genus name Lampropeltis comes from the Greek “lampros,” meaning
“radiant,” and “pelta,” meaning “small shields.”Triangulum is derived from the
Latin triangulus, meaning “triangle.” This is a reference to the triangle-shaped
pattern that typifies this species.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 IUCN—not listed
 Not listed on CITES
10/23/2016
Pueblan Milksnake
The Maryland Zoo
Pueblan Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli


Threats:
o Considered common and stable throughout their range
o Humans killing these snakes out of fear or retribution may be a minor threat, as
is inadvertent killing by cars
o This animal’s intriguing markings and small size make it a popular pet, so
collection of wild specimens may also provide some pressure to the population.
However, they are commonly bred in captivity as well.
o Habitat loss may be a concern, but, like most snakes, they can survive easily on
the rats and mice that tend to inhabit the same areas as humans
Conservation efforts:
o No concentrated efforts exist to conserve this type of snake. However, other
subspecies of milk snake that live in the U.S. have habitats in protected areas.
At the Zoo
Shake hatched in 2010 and was purchased from a dealer as a juvenile in 2011.
What We Can Do
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Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat –
conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution
Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy – opt for fake leather over snake
skin products
o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife
so when available opt for recycled and local products
o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or
testing
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
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
 Sacramento Zoo: http://www.saczoo.org/page.aspx?pid=456
 Virginia Herpetological Society:
10/23/2016
Pueblan Milksnake
The Maryland Zoo
Pueblan Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
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http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/eastern-milksnake/eastern_milksnake.php
Markel, Ronald G. Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications,
1990. Print.
Shaw, Charles E., and Sheldon Campbell. Snakes of the American West. New York:
Knopf;, 1974. Print.
10/23/2016
Pueblan Milksnake
The Maryland Zoo