Pine Snake
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Pituophis melanoleucus
Habitat: Pine snakes can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the southeastern United States including woods, prairies, brushlands, and deserts.
Diet: Pine snakes eat birds, rodents, small mammals, and eggs.
Size: 4 to 6 feet long
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Pine Snake:
Forest (Female) – Estimated Birthdate Between 1997 & 2007
About Pine Snakes:
Pine snakes are a non-venomous species of snake native to southeastern United States. There are 4 subspecies of pine snakes found throughout this range: the Louisiana pine snake, the black pine snake, the northern pine snake, and the Florida pine snake. While habitat destruction does threaten their wild populations, they are still listed as “LEAST CONCERN” by the IUCN and are still rather common.
Did You Know?!
- The northern pine snake hibernates underground throughout the winter and has a snout designed for digging.
- Pine snakes reach a maximum length of about 6 feet and are nonvenomous constrictors.
- Pine snakes use an unusual technique to kill their prey: they enter the burrows of rodents and press them against the wall using their strong bodies.
- Pine snakes are excellent climbers. They occasionally climb on the trees to find bird’s nests.