Species Notes based on experiences:
This sturdy Northern US and Southern Canadian Rat Snake is a real prize IF you can find one. In the wild they are known for being quite smelly and to use their well developed musk glands quite liberally. In captivity however this is generally a well behaved snake and much sought after by even keepers with experience. If one was sourced by a would be beginner there is no reason it should not be considered. As long as you meet it prior to purchase to ensure it is of good demeanour you will have found a fantastic pet a made a number of other keepers green with envy. The main feature one notices immediately with Fox Snakes are their heads. They have proportionally huge heads both wide and deep well offset from the neck. With age the head takes on a lovely golden yellow hue whilst the body remains a mix of more greys and browns. There are many parallels to the pattern of another Northern Plains Species the Prairie King Snake (Lampropeltis calligaster).
Score analysis:
All the Fox Snakes I have had the pleasure of meeting have been well behaved. From reading texts they do seem to be a mixed bag hence the score here. For the most part I have still to be musked upon or bitten by this species. I have found them generally to be laid back about being handled maybe with just a lazy amount of tail rattling. Experience currently sits at around a dozen examples over the years.
Territory disputes are more likely to occur than temperament issues. Regardless of how long you have had your Rat Snake they never seem fond of being disturbed and can be quite grumpy about it. This may involve darting to the other end of the enclosure or rattling their tail loudly in the substrate. Whilst this isn’t really a hissing snake they make their displeasure known by raising the front 1/3 of their body into a series of ‘S’s. The head may also be flattened. This is nearly always bluff. Once removed from the enclosure many of these behaviours will abate almost immediately.
One of the toughest snakes a keeper can own. This is a parallel to the toughness of the Russian Rat Snake. Long deep winters ensure this animal will remain below ground in hibernaculum for up to half the year. There is only the Black Rat Snake(Pantherophis obsoletus obsoletus), Common Garter Snake(Thamnophis sirtalis) and Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) that can compete for toughness.
Adult Fox Snakes reach between 4-5ft in length. It is rare for them to exceed this. Once adult these snakes carry considerable mass. This is a strong snake, much stronger than a Corn Snake of the same length. Owing to build and size of the head this may be a more intimidating snake than a Corn Snake or King Snake of the same length. This may therefore reserve it for more confident keepers. Generally though Fox Snakes are great pets.
Fox Snakes love their food, they are superb feeders. As sexual maturity occurs adults may begin to miss fire with the regularity with which they accept food. This is a species that really will benefit from being brumated whether the intention to breed is present or not. By essentially turning the snake ‘off’ for three months or so at very cool temperatures 7-10°c this snaps their appetite back into action the following spring.
Enclosure recommendations:
Tub:
This species is not suitable for keeping in a tub long term
Vivarium:
120cm x 60cm x 60cm
Budget rig: -
60cm x 30cm heat pad
On / off thermostat
Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
Warm hide
Cool hide
Water bowl
substrate
Recommended rig (vivarium only): -
250w ceramic heat emitter
Ceramic lamp holder and bracket
Bulb guard
Day night thermostat
Digital thermometer to monitor thermostat performance
Various logs and caves along the thermal gradient
Damp hide (optional)
Climbing and exercise branches
Plants and foliage (live or artificial – your choice)
Water bowl
Substrate
UVB light (8w T5 shade dweller 7% kit from Arcadia or equivalent) (optional)
Subterranean section to vivarium for further psychological security (optional)
Climate analysis:
Seriously hardcore! North Eastern US states and Quebec are not easy places to be from if you are cold blooded. Certain areas may almost reach -20°c at the surface during winter night time lows. As much as 7 months of the year may be spent in brumation. Once out and hunting in the clement period of the year they need to feed and feed ferociously to make up for lost time. For females finding the time to fit in breeding and feeding is a difficult balancing act and really speaks to the resilience of the species.
Conclusion:
Whilst this snake is a great pet species beginner keepers may not like the idea of having to over winter their snake every year to help keep it healthy. If the keeper doesn’t mind this the Fox snake would make a fantastic animal to keep. They are alert and adventurous, calm and patient with keepers. Defensive animals do exist and it would be important to meet the example being considered prior to purchase to ensure compatibility.
