Friday, September 28, 2012

Corn Snake

Thirsty Amelanistic/Albino Corn Snake, Elaphe guttata

The Corn Snake, a species of rat snake, is a diurnal, medium-sized snake that can vary in coloration, but usually contains dark-edged blotches down the back. The origin of the name 'corn snake' is debated. It could be due to the pattern similarities with maize, or it may be the common find of these snakes among fields of corn where the rats and mice are plentiful. Quite popular in the pet industry, these snakes are native throughout the eastern United States. Unfortunately, in the wild, these snakes are often confused with the copperhead and killed, much like its cousin the Texas rat snake is often confused for a cottonmouth and killed. As with any snake, it is best to leave them alone and let them hunt in peace. All snakes, venomous and non-venomous, have a role to play such as eating the rodents that spread the life threatening hantavirus.

In keeping with the impromptu video theme this week, I've included a video of Casper, the amelanistic (albino) corn snake taking a drink of water.

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