Milk Snake {Lampropeltis triangidum) 



Description: The Milk Snake is a slender and medium-sized snake (to 42 inches in length or 



more), with smooth scales. It has a jighly recognizable series of red to orange saddles or rings 

 that are bordered by black bands and separated by white or yellow bands. Width of dark and 

 light bands can vary markedly. The subspecies in Montana (Z.. t. gentilis) tends to be paler, 

 with orange bands replacing red, and a light belly with few or no black spots. 



Similar species: None in Montana. 



Habitat and Habits: Little is known of Milk Snakes in Montana because only a few have been 

 reported. In Wyoming and elsewhere they are usually found near cliffs, talus, outcrops, and 

 rocky hillsides in forested and open country (Baxter and Stone 1985). They can be found in 

 or under rotten logs. Milk Snakes are secretive and most active at night. They eat a variety 

 of vertebrates, including other snakes, lizards, eggs, small mammals, and sometimes 

 invertebrates such as earthworms and insects. Eggs are laid in mid-summer. Milk Snakes 

 sometimes vibrate their tails when disturbed. Their name stems from an old tale alleging that 

 these snakes milk cows. 



Surveying: Timed site surveys can be conducted around cliff bases and outcrops. Nocturnal 



surveys may be the most productive Most distribution information, however, will likely come 

 from recording incidental sightings. More intensive research may be done using fijnnel traps 

 in combination with drift fences. The most intensive research and survey projects may use 

 mark-recapture or radio-telemetry techniques. 



Status: Milk Snakes are very rare and local in Montana. There is only one record since 1995 

 (Powder River County, near Ashland) from within the boundary of the Miles City District 

 lands in the MTNHP database, although there are several older records from throughout the 

 district area. The majority of records are clustered at only a few sites, such as near Bridger in 

 Carbon County, and Billings in Yellowstone County. None were encountered during the 

 1998 inventory. The subspecies found in Montana is highly sought for the pet trade. All 

 records of Milk Snakes should be frjlly documented. Of special interest would be documented 

 denning sites. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S2. Species of Special Concern. 



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