Red Cornsnake (Pantherophis guttatus)
- Length: 32″-60″
- Weight: 2-5 pounds
- Diet: Carnivorous, eating birds, rodents, and small animals.
- Breeding: Starts in March through May.
- Gestation: 60-65 Days.
- Reproduction: 5-30 eggs, hatchlings appearing starting in late summer or early fall.
- Habitat: Urban areas with the availability of food water and shelter. Can be common around urban and rural areas in South Carolina.
- Legal Status: Located in South Carolina, and under no protection. It is illegal to harm, capture, or remove from the wild.
- Other Names: Red Ratsnake and Corn snake.
- Interesting Facts: The Red Ratsnake will feed every few days. It is often mistaken for the venomous copperhead due to its color. The Red Ratsnake is a popular captive domestic snake through breeding are known to have multiple color morphs and pattern morphs. Will live 10-22 years in the wild.
The Red Cornsnake, often referred to as the Red Rat snake, is found in South Carolina. They are excellent climbers, and can be found around urban areas and in homes. The largest threat this snake will cause, is the injury you may receive if you trip while running away.
As a defense mechanism, the Red Cornsnake will puff itself out, or make itself appear larger than it is. They can grow up to 4 feet in length, but can be found much larger. They are the most popular captive snake, although illegal to remove from the wild. Red Cornsnakes will strike if too close or agitated, so it is best to keep your distance. Red Cornsnakes will often feed on amphibians, rodents, and small animals much like the Gray Ratsnake, and can be found with slightly different color morphs and patterns.