These characteristics are undoubtedly responsible for its being called 'spotted adder' in some regions, an unfortunate name because it brings to mind the truly venomous snakes of Europe and Asia. The milk snake is a boldly patterned serpent (brown or reddish blotches on a light grey to tan body) that vibrates its tail when annoyed. Its name is derived from the decidedly false belief that it will milk cows! It is, however, frequently encountered in barns in search of its rodent prey (it also eats other snakes). The milk snake has given rise to more misconceptions than perhaps any other species. This confusion is understandable as our water snake is certainly an aggressive species with a nasty disposition and it does bear a superficial resemblance to the cottonmouth. This species is frequently called or mistaken for a cottonmouth (water moccasin) this latter species is a large venomous snake that does not occur within our state borders. It is the only large (up to 42 inches) water snake in our range. This is most pronounced in young individuals (adults may appear solid black). As an adult, it is a stout animal typically dark brown to black with lighter-colored bands and splotches along its length. The water snake is found in and around almost any waterbody or wetland in the state. They may reach lengths of two feet, but are typically smaller. These snakes, like many other species, are variable in color and pattern the basic color is dark brown or green with three yellowish stripes down their sides and back. Garter snakes use a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to marshes to fields and exist quite well around human habitations. The most widespread and frequently encountered snakes in New York state are the garter snake and the water snake. All snakes form part of the diet of other predators such as hawks and foxes and thereby serve to link higher and lower feeding levels. He is an albino so maybe the pink eyes prevent him going blue? He didn't show any signs whatsoever so I was a bit shocked.Other snakes are important in the control they exert on insect and other invertebrate populations. He did not change personality or act pissy like people often say snakes do before shed.Īctually he is a very friendly snake, he's a baby but he's very curious and gentle, doesn't bite or flail around too much, likes to be held. Is it normal for snakes to NOT go blue? I've never owned a snake before so I'm new to this haha. Then I fed him last night (the 11th) and as soon as I picked up his hide, out popped a whole intact shed skin!!! How did he manage to do that so dang fast!! I fed him on the 6th, and then I handled him on the 10th, and he was not blue or showing any signs of shed. I handle him about every other day, and on feeding day, and then of course I don't handle him for 48hrs after. He's eating every 5 days, one day-old F/T pinkie. He was a hatchling when we got him so he's still technically a hatchling or a baby now. I'm a new snake owner and I've had my baby milksnake for about a month.

Blue milksnake