Species: orn snake (Pantherophis guttatus)
Intake Date: March 31, 2024
Maize is our resident Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus). She came to us on March 31, 2024. She was a former pet that was not quite 2 years of age when we adopted her from an animal rescue group near Chicago, Illinois. She was young and defensive, so the rescue group was having a difficult time adopting her out. Once she was in our care with regular handling and a routine feeding schedule, she calmed down and seemed to enjoy our company. Instead of hiding, she is coming out more and seems to enjoy being handled. Corn Snakes are not native to Illinois but instead are found in the Southeastern United States. They are however also called red rat snakes, so their habits are very similar to the grey rat snake that is found in Illinois. Because she has a very mild temperament and is very comfortable being around people and being handled, she makes an excellent ambassador animal. She, like Caduceus, our other snake ambassador, will help us educate the public and dispel the fears and misconceptions surrounding snakes and other reptiles that are Illinois natives.
Fun Facts
Corn snakes are said to get their name from the checkered pattern on their belly which resembles flint corn. However, they are also found near corn and other fields hunting their favorite prey, mice. Like Maize, these snakes are commonly orange to reddish in coloration in the wild, but there are over 800 recognized color morphs in captivity. While these animals are great at pest control consuming many small rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and insects, they also serve as a food source for other animals such as snakes, foxes, opossum, skunks, bobcats, weasels, and hawks.