eastern milksnake, credit: Missy Mandel
Special Concern Provincially and Nationally
Description
• Can be over one metre in length
• Distinctive blotches that are red with black borders on dorsal; black and white checkerboard pattern on bellies
• Not venomous
Range
• Widespread throughout southern Ontario
• Can be found as far north as Lake Nipissing and Sault Ste. Marie
Threats
• Human persecution
• Habitat loss
Protection
• Not protected under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 or under the Species at Risk Act, 2002
Fact
Although still relatively widespread in Ontario, the milksnake’s late maturation and low reproductive potential make it vulnerable to a variety of threats.
Just saw one passing me as I was at the barbecue last night. Not large in diameter but quite long. Beautifully marked.
We have lots of Eastern garter snakes on our property.
Do the milk snakes feed after dark?
Just verified the specie today? Feel lucky to have seen it.
Hi Jeff,
You’re very lucky to have seen this milksnake!
I have been looking for several years and have not seen one recently. Milksnakes primarily come out in the evening and after dusk.
ON Noah
Just saw one a couple of days ago sunning itself in the mid-afternoon on a sandy trail near my house. York Region Forest, North Tract. Looked to be maybe 2 feet in length. It was in the middle of the path and I nearly stepped on it. My husband and daughter walked right by it without noticing it, it blended so well with the ground – I don’t know they didn’t step on it. I didn’t see it until I was almost right on top of it.
Growing up in the 90s we had many Eastern Milk Snakes around our central Ontario home. Often finding the large sheds among the flat-rock gardens, and snickering over the agressive behavior of the young ones when all we wanted to do was walk by! So cute and spicy!
Observed a juvenile today as I was repairing the deck…
Saw one at our local brush dump today, Huron East area. About a metre long. Accidentally disturbed it gathering rocks but it didn’t seem too upset. I was able to take a few pictures. Blends in really well with all the sticks and leaves.
Just saw one this evening for the first time. Got the name on the internet when I got home. I was looking up on the trees to spot some interesting birds on a trail. But got startled by this snake. Believe this little creature got startled by me as well…
I have a 3 footer trapped in my stairwell as we speak 😝. I got under the unfinished drywall I’m not sure how I’m gonna get the guy out 🤯
Just saw A baby milk snake on my front veranda
I discovered one today in my front yard while moving rocks.