Common Name:  Corn snake

Scientific Name:  Elaphe guttata
                                                        
Identification: 25-65 in. Tan or reddish brown east of the Mississippi River with a series of large brown or reddish, black bordered spots down the back; belly white with a black checkerboard pattern. West of the Mississippi Valley corn snakes are gray with a row of darker gray or brown spots down the back; scales slightly keeled.

Habits: Corn snakes frequent pinewoods or mixed woodlands; commonly occur in and around barns and other buildings where rodents are numerous.

Distribution: The Florida Parishes and upland areas Of Central and northern Louisiana.  A few corn snakes have been found in the low country immediately west of the Atchafalaya Basin. 

Comments: Corn snakes have a docile nature and usually won't bite when caught.  The belly colors of the corn snake are the same as Indian corn, hence its name. They are not venomous.