A variety of habitats including forests, open areas, and edges of forests near open fields. If cornered, vibrates the tail tip and can be counted on to strike repeatedly. Mates in May and June and female lays 10-20 eggs in late June or July. The young, 20-35 cm TL, hatch in September. Eats a variety of animals, including arthropods, worms, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
Main predators are other snakes and raptors.