Species Reptiles & AmphibiansMilk Snake

Milk Snake

Lampropeltis triangulum

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

The Milk Snake is a colorful, banded king snake found across much of North America. Its red-black-white banding mimics venomous coral snakes. The name comes from a myth that it milked cows.

Habitat
Forests, rocky hillsides, farmland, and suburban areas
Diet
Rodents, lizards, and occasionally other snakes
How common
Common

Best time to see a Milk Snake

The best time to see a Milk Snake is April–June, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 20,987 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Milk Snake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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