General color is yellowish, greenishbrown or tan, with large brown blotches on the back and smaller ones on the sides. The head of fox snakes may show some orange color, which might cause them to be misidentified as a copperhead. Belly color is normally yellow marked with a distinct black, checked pattern. This species is believed to be an inhabitant of open grasslands and the borders of woods. In Missouri, the fox snake has been found near large, natural marshes, but it is not a common snake.
Food includes small rodents and birds.
Fox snakes kill their prey by constriction, vibrate their tail when alarmed and will bite to defend themselves. Northern third of the state. This is one of our largest common snakes. It is generally shiny black, but some individuals show dark brown blotches. Skin between the scales along the sides may be red.