Eastern Milksnakes do not reach sexual maturity until approximately three or four years of age (Fitch and Fleet 1970; DeGraff and Rudis 1983; Harding 1997). Human Dimensions of Wildlife 12: 137-143. The patterns look more like spots or saddle markings than milk snake stripes. Appendix A contains a complete list of subnational ranks for the Eastern Milksnake throughout its range in the U.S. It is difficult to assess the severity of this threat because many of these encounters on residential property undoubtedly go unreported; however, a large number of reported Massasauga sightings each year are in fact misidentified Eastern Milksnakes (Johnson 1989; Bériault pers. McDonald, R. pers. (Fitch and Fleet 1970; Kjoss and Litvaitis 2001). The large numbers of domestic and feral cats have an especially large impact on Eastern Milksnake populations both in residential areas and around farms or agricultural lands (Carbone and Gittleman 2002). The current distribution of the Eastern Milksnake in Ontario stretches from the extreme southwest up to Echo Lake in Algoma District and as far east as Ottawa and Brockville (Rowell, 2013). Eastern Milksnakes demonstrate selection for open and edge habitat to meet their thermoregulatory needs for basking to raise their temperatures (Row and Blouin-Demers 2006a; Row and Blouin-Demers 2006b). They’ll snack on voles, mice, lizards, frogs, tadpoles and bird eggs — … Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. P2A 2Z1 Canada. Distribution of the Eastern Milksnake in Canada and the United States, and occurrence of the Eastern Milksnake subspecies. Outreach activities have included soliciting observations/encouraging public reporting of individuals, educating landowners and/or the public on species identification, threats, and stewardship options, publishing pamphlets and articles on conservation of the Eastern Milksnake, and creating a visual identification key for reptiles and amphibians in Québec. Ottawa. 2015. Parry Sound, Ontario The total adult population in Canada is estimated to be greater than 10,000 adults (COSEWIC 2015). Fitch, H.S. and J.T. 1990. Snakes are carnivores. The Eastern Milksnake is known to inhabit a wide variety of natural and human-modified habitats including prairies, meadows, pastures, hayfields, rocky outcrops, rocky hillsides and forests. Eastern Milk snake - FFDV Series (GC6KZTE) was created by RunCraigRun on 6/12/2016. Coalescent Species Delimitation in Milksnakes (genus Lampropeltis) and Impacts on Phylogenetic Comparative Analyses in Systematic Biology. Jacob, J. pers. Snakes move across these home ranges throughout the year for a variety of reasons such as movement to and from breeding, hibernation and basking sites. Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF), Quebec. Table 2. Road kill hotspots do not effectively indicate mitigation locations when past road kill has depressed populations. Milk, fox, and scarlet snakes are killed because of a resemblance to the venomous pygmy rattlers. These are a few that are commonly kept as pets: Eastern Milk Snake – growing to 2 – 4 feet in length, this snake is grey, red and white. Gittleman. Research focused on Eastern Milksnake behaviour, habitat and thermoregulation has been conducted and has filled several knowledge gaps on the species (Row 2005, Row and Blouin-Demers 2006a, Row and Blouin-Demers 2006b). Fourtney, A.N., R.G. Here are a few popular subspecies of milk snake:Eastern milk snakeProbably the most well known milk snake, the eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum), is common throughout the much of the Northeastern United States. It remains beautiful to look upon, though. 2014. Distribution of the Eastern Milksnake in Ontario. comm. As Eastern Milksnakes frequently inhabit rural areas, they can get into farm and agricultural machinery such as haying equipment during routine farming activities (COSEWIC 2002). 2009). 1996. The Reptiles and Amphibians of the Hamilton Area – An Historical Summary and the Results of the Hamilton Herpetofaunal Atlas. Although limiting factors are not well-known in Canada, the range of the Eastern Milksnake is thought to be limited by temperature and by suitable habitat for egg-laying within its Canadian range. Management Plan for the Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) in Canada. Due to recent genetic analyses, the sub-species of Milksnake found in Canada is likely to be recognized as its own distinct species with the name Eastern Milksnake, however this does not change the latin name of Lampropeltis triangulum or the species conservation status (Ruane et al. (Accessed January 31, 2012). COSEWIC. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. At night, they may also absorb heat from black-topped roads (Harding 1997). Pyron, R.A., and F.T. Recent work on Eastern Milksnake has confirmed its presence in every Ontario jurisdiction currently within the known range of this species, with recent findings in Quebec showing the presence of Eastern Milksnake outside of its documented range (COSEWIC 2015). A common rule for the scaling of carnivore density. This snake is also an unfussy eater. 2007). In Canada, the Eastern Milksnake may be confused with several other blotched snake species that have overlapping ranges, including the Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis gloydi), Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos), and juvenile Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides). triangulum) is less colourful than other Eastern Milksnake subspecies making it less desirable in the pet trade (Markel 1995). The planning process based on national guidelines directly incorporates consideration of all environmental effects, with a particular focus on possible impacts upon non-target species or habitats. Martino, D.L. Recent research shows that feral cats are a significant threat to reptile populations in the United States (Loss et al. The eastern milksnake will vibrate its tail to make a rattle like sound as part of its defense. Smooth scales (not keeled) add to its smooth appearance. 2013. COSEWIC. Other snakes, including venomous species, are also taken, and lizards and an occasional bird supplement the diet. The percentage of the species' global range found in Canada is approximately 7%. 2006b. The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas and the Atlas des Amphibiens et des Reptiles du Quebec both collect data on Eastern Milksnake distribution within the Province of Ontario and Quebec, respectively. For copies of the management plan, or for additional information on species at risk, including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry. Figure 3 shows extant and historic occurrences of Eastern Milksnake in Quebec. Gareau, P. pers. Anal plate refers to the belly scale covers the cloaca of the snake. University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst. The overall range of the Eastern Milksnake extends from southern Maine and Florida in the east to South Dakota and Texas in the west, although the range becomes more fragmented in the western portion of the range. The following are projects that are particularly pertinent to the conservation and habitat management for the Eastern Milksnake: Conserve and Manage Eastern Milksnakes and their Habitat: Inventories and Monitoring Targeting the Eastern Milksnake and Its Habitat: A number of research projects to fill knowledge gaps have also been conducted, several of which are referenced in this plan. While rodents appear to be the most important food source, adult Eastern Milksnakes have also been known to eat birds and their eggs, reptiles, fish, amphibians and invertebrates (COSEWIC 2002). In Canada, the Eastern Milksnake ranges throughout southern Ontario as far north as Sault Ste. Snakes of Eastern North America. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois. George Mason University Press, Fairfax, Virginia. Analysis of Eastern Milksnake distribution in southern Ontario (at a macrohabitat scale) found the species to be abundant in areas with high forest cover where there is more natural habitat (Lamond 1994 in COSEWIC 2002). The milksnake was listed as Special Concern under the Ontario Endangered Species Act , 2007. Skunk population abundance may also be higher in human-modified landscapes, further contributing to increased predation. Final Report. The committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a committee of experts who determine the national status of native species thought to be at risk of disappearing from Canada. car parts, old pipes) (Rowell 2013). Mortality can also occur when eggs are laid in compost, sawdust piles and manure piles and later destroyed when these piles are disturbed or removed (Froom 1972; Lamond 1994; Tyning 1990). Due to the large human population within the range of the Eastern Milksnake in Canada, and the fact that Eastern Milksnakes will use human-modified habitats, predation by domestic and feral cats and dogs, as well as raccoons and skunks, may be a significant threat (COSEWIC 2015). 2009. Eastern Milk Snake This item was submitted by one of our regular contributors - thank you Paul, from Barrie, Ontario! [recieved 7 January 2015], Ontario Nature. Several initiatives have been completed or are currently underway that will aid in the conservation of the Eastern Milksnake. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Marie and Lake Nipissing. Eastern Milksnake records continue to be obtained through public reporting, conservation organizations and species-at-risk surveys associated with development applications. Young Eastern Milksnakes have been recorded eating worms and the young of other snakes, and likely eat other small prey such as amphibians or invertebrates. However, currently there is insufficient information available on the survivorship, mortality and population demographics of the species in Canada to assess these factors. Reptiles and Amphibians of Algonquin Park. People often fear the Eastern Milksnake because of its defensive behavior or because they mistake the Eastern Milksnake for the venomous Massasauga due to its colour and tendency to vibrate its tail when threatened (COSEWIC 2002; Ontario Nature 2012). Several initiatives have been completed or are currently underway that will aid in the conservation of the Eastern Milksnake. Incubation of the eggs takes 50-70 days at a constant temperature of approximately 24°C (Ernst and Barbour 1989). As the air temperature drops at the onset of fall and winter, Eastern Milksnakes tend to move below the frost line (Johnson 1989). The heat-sensitive facial pits of the Massasuaga give the head an arrow shaped head differentiating it from other Ontario snake species. Personal Communication. In this Guide, Eastern Milksnake hibernacula and egg laying sites are defined as values that are used at least once within the past five years and include habitat within a 30 m radius or as otherwise defined by the Endangered Species Act, 2007 habitat description or habitat regulation. 2002. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 43(2): 674–684. The Eastern Milksnake has also been designated as a Specially Protected Reptile under Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (S.O.1997, c.41). 2007). Canadian Field Naturalist 126(3): 194-203. Historically, conversion of forests and fields for urban, industrial and intense agricultural development has caused loss and fragmentation of Eastern Milksnake habitat in Ontario and Quebec (Harding 1997; COSEWIC 2002). Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Known populations of Eastern Milksnake throughout its range in Canada are maintained; Increased knowledge of locations of Eastern Milksnake populations (and, where possible, relative abundance), demographics, and habitat use in Canada. Markel, R. 1995. Amphibian and reptiles Native to Minnisota. Ducks Unlimited Canada. The amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica. Snake Fungal Disease in the United States. St. Lawrence Valley Natural Society, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec and Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Faune, Direction de la faune et des habitats, Québec. National Capital Commission, Ottawa, ON. 2002). Examples of species likely to benefit from these activities are listed in Table 4. 2007. Most of the observations are centred around Gatineau and Montreal. The calm snake is a popular name in the pet trade. Greyish background colour with reddish blotches bordered in black along its back and sides. The blotches are bright red in young Eastern Milksnakes, but fade as the snake ages. 1.3 Protect individuals from being collected for the pet trade by enforcing regulations in Quebec and Ontario under existing wildlife laws. Biological Conservation 98(3): 285-292. The Eastern Milksnake is often found in barns and stables where 2013); feral cats around urban areas might also be a threat to Eastern Milksnakes in Ontario. Adults are 61 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in.). 1989; Ashley et al. Conant, R., and J.T. In every case where staff have had the chance to identify the snake, it has always been a Milksnake. NHIC (Natural Heritage Information Centre). 1.1 Develop and implement best management practices and land-use guidelines for Eastern Milksnake habitat for use on various sites where it occurs; Encourage the conservation, protection and management of Eastern Milksnake habitat where the species occurs. 1970. Distribution of the Milk Snake. Eastern Milk Snakes are found often in nature too. Only the northernmost subspecies, the Eastern Milksnake (L. t. triangulum), occurs in Canada (Figure 1). The purpose of a SEA is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans, and program proposals to support environmentally sound decision-making. COSEWIC – Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The Eastern Milksnake’s favorite preys are small rodents, and mice make up the largest portion of this group. Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source. Theis. The species requires suitable cover for egg-laying, hibernation, and thermoregulationFootnote1. 2006. 429 pp. Version 7.1. For example, about 90% of the original forest cover and 72% of the original wetland habitat in southwestern Ontario has been converted to agricultural uses (Larson et al. The lovable, the loathesome, and the liminal: emotionality in ethnozoological cognition. Row, J.R., and G. Blouin-Demers. Where it lives. There is evidence that Eastern Milksnake populations have been lost from large urban centers and areas of intense agriculture, in Southwestern Ontario, so that Eastern Milksnake occurrences are extremely rare or absent and assumed to be extirpated from certain historical locations in the region (COSEWIC 2015). Eastern Milksnakes lay 8 to 16 eggs (Rowell 2013) from late May to July (Ernst and Barbour 1989) in a variety of substrates, including rotting logs, stumps, mammal burrows, piles of manure, leaf mounds, sawdust piles, compost, sand, under boards, or in loose soil. Several organizations, such as Ambioterra, the Appalachian Corridor, the Centre de conservation de la nature du Mont-Saint-Hilaire, the Centre d'interprétation du milieu écologique du Haut-Richelieu (CIME), the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Nature-Action Québec and the Société d'histoire naturelle de la vallée du Saint-Laurent have also conducted projects targeting the Eastern Milksnake directly or amphibians and reptiles in general. 2013. Some authors refer to these spots as blotches. Removal of these buildings may lead to a loss of egg-laying, foraging, or hibernation habitat for Eastern Milksnakes which may use the foundations. The Centre de conservation de la nature du Mont-Saint-Hilaire, CIME, NCC and Nature-Action Québec are involved in land acquisition and stewardship in the Montérégie and Outaouais regions. This adds to the Eastern milk snake’s reputation as a low-maintenance reptile. 2014. Eastern Milk Snake. It was updated and revised by Rachel deCatanzaro and Lee Voisin (Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario), Tianna Burke, and Louis Gagnon (formerly of Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario). The ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is very different (Row and Blouin-Demers 2006a). Slender and sleek looking snake. Road mortality appears to be highest in the spring and autumn, a trend that may be explained by migration to and from hibernacula. comm. Litvaitis. In Canada, the Eastern Milksnake ranges throughout southern Ontario as far north as Sault Ste. Ernst, C.H., and R.W. They are the most northeastern of the milksnake subspecies, and the only one indigenous to Canada. expert opinion; Low: the threat is assumed or plausible). Across its global range, collection for the pet trade is thought to have led to declines in populations of Eastern Milksnake (NatureServe 2012). 2014. Element Summary Report for Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. The Northern Watersnake has highly keeled (or rough) scales and has a banded rather than blotched dorsal pattern. As a result, even slight increases in adult mortality can cause populations to decline. Sightings are scattered throughout southern Ontario with a larger number of observations on the Bruce Peninsula and around Hamilton. Species at risk expected to benefit from management techniques directed at Eastern Milksnake in Canada. In fact, they have the widest range of any North American snake species. 2009). Photo by Marc Desrochers. Populations of raccoons are dense in southern Ontario (approximately 1.1 million), especially around urban areas where there is an estimated 8-18 raccoons per square kilometre (OMNR 2009). Collins. HibernaculaFootnote12 that Eastern Milksnakes will use are varied, from natural sites such as old burrows and rock crevices to human-made structures such as the foundations of old buildings and other human debris (e.g. Bryson, R.W., J. Pastorini, F.T. The eastern milk snake is a non-venomous subspecies of milksnake. Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) - Special Concern (federally) It has large red or reddish-brown oval blotches outlined in black along its back, and one or two rows of smaller blotches along each side. The range of the Eastern milk snake extends into southern Canada, and throughout the eastern … The species is frequently encountered in rural areas around buildings such as barns, sheds and houses, and may also be found in suburban parks and gardens (COSEWIC 2002). Conservation Measures and Implementation Schedule. Massasauga has a much thicker body, darker body colouration, saddle-shaped blotches, a vertical eye pupil and a distinctive rattleFootnote10 at the end of the tail. Lamond, W.G. These beauties may look a little like rattlers, but milk snakes are actually harmless. Mate in early spring, and lay 6-20 eggs in late June or early July under rotting logs and leaf litter; May be found in open forest, field and wetland habitat. The Eastern Milksnake inhabits a wide variety of natural and human-modified habitats including prairies, meadows, pastures, hayfields, rocky outcrops, rocky hillsides and forests (deciduous, coniferous, and mixed). “Endangered” means the species lives in the wild in Ontario but is facing imminent extinction or extirpation. Personal Communication. Southern Ontario Wetland Conversion Analysis. With our backyard backing onto a wetlands, we have many visitors. The Massasauga is the only Ontario snake with a vertical (cat-like) pupil. 2009. Multiple females may lay eggs at a single egg-laying site, often within several centimetres of each other, possibly because suitable egg-laying sites are scarce (Tyning 1990; COSEWIC 2002). (Accessed January 16, 2015). Rowell, J.C. 2013. In Canada, the Eastern Milksnake ranges throughout the Carolinian and the Great Lakes/St. The extent of occurrence in Canada has been estimated to be approximately 229,285 km2 (COSEWIC 2015). Incidence of intentional vehicle-reptile collisions. 3.3.Encourage research to evaluate mortality rates from domestic and feral pets and wild animals, and investigate the potential impact of the pet trade on Eastern Milksnake. Public Works and Government Services Canada Gatineau, QC. Most will have a light coloured V or Y shape on the top of their head. It ranges from Maine to Minnesota and Iowa, and as far south as northern Georgia, according to the Ohio Public Library Information Network.The Eastern milk snake is slender with reddish-brown blotchy bands rimmed in black o… Corridors of natural habitat between natural areas, such as riparian areas, are important to facilitate movement. As a result of these life history traits, even slight increases in adult mortality can cause populations to decline (Ontario Nature 2012). Larson, B.M., Riley, J.L., Snell, E.A., Godschalk, H.G. 1989. Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, Hamilton, Ontario. comm. Today, development continues to pose a threat in many areas. Fourth Addition. Personal Communication. Young eastern milk snake, Lampropeltis triangulum, partly coiled up in a garden in South Windsor Milk Snake. 2009. 2006a. In Ontario, some records have occurred as far north as Sault Ste Marie, the north shore of Lake Huron, and Lake Nipissing (Figure 2). This is a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. Barrie, Ontario. 2014. Males tend to be longer than females, but in general males cannot be distinguished easily from females by their external features (Harding 1997). Bériault, K., pers. E-mail correspondence to Rachel deCatanzaro. Having a confirmed sighting in the Kettle Creek watershed would be remote if not implausible. Conservation measures will best be achieved through an integrated approach with recovery initiatives for other snake species-at-risk wherever possible. There are a number of broad strategies to achieve the management objectives described in section 6.2. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. 1972. 2006). The basic color of this snake is gray to tan. 2.1 Promote the following programs and activities: 1) reporting programs that solicit incidental observations of Eastern Milksnake and other species at risk from the public; 2) inventory and monitoring programs that target Eastern Milksnake where it is known or suspected to occur; 3) identify and protect hibernacula for Eastern Milksnake and other species at risk snakes; and 4) tracking changes in distribution/abundance of Eastern Milksnake populations. The Friends of Algonquin, Whitney, Ontario, 9pp. Ruane, S., Bryson, R.W.,Pyron R.A,and F.T. Carbone, C., and J.L. Thermal quality influences effectiveness of thermoregulation, habitat use, and behavior in milk snakes. 2013. 1989. The color markings tend to be rusty, or even dull. Sightings are categorized as recent sightings (1993 to present) and historical sightings (before 1993). The eastern milksnake’s status was delisted from being a species at risk in Ontario in 2016. comm. The Massasauga is Ontario’s only venomous snake that lives for the most part along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay and the northern Bruce Peninsula. Knowledge gaps; Predation by domestic animals; Pet trade. Boston, Houghton Mifflin. In particular, urban expansion is a threat around areas with high concentrations of Eastern Milksnake sightings: Ottawa-Gatineau and the west island of Montreal, Quebec and the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario (COSEWIC 2002). It was suggested that the large degree of variation may reflect the existence of multiple species (e.g., Savage 2002; Pyron and Burbrink 2009), however  genetic evidence was not available at the time to support this idea. Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec and Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Faune, Direction de la faune et des habitats, Québec, 6.1 Actions Already Completed or Currently Underway. They will kill larger prey by constriction. This subspecies generally grows to be 60-90 cm in length (Strickland and Rutter 1992 in COSEWIC 2002). Wildlife Road Mortality on the 1000 Islands Parkways in South Eastern Ontario; Peak times, Hot Spots, and Mitigation using Drainage Culverts, Ontario. From 1998 to 2012, they acquired properties where Eastern Milksnakes or suitable habitat for them were found in the adjacent to these sites: Mont-Saint Hilaire Nature Reserve (25 ha), Mont-Saint-Bruno (8 ha), Mont-Rougemont (6 ha), Corridor vert de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (111 ha), Mont-Saint-Grégoire (70 ha), Pin-Rigide ecological reserve (30 ha), and Bristol (342 ha). Ecoscience 13(4):443-450. Nolan, J.M., Jones, K.E., McDougal, K.W., McFarlin, M.J., and Ward, M.K. Fleet. Telephone: (705) 774-0978 The main threats to the Eastern Milksnake in Canada include: urban, industrial, and intense agricultural development; persecution; road mortality; removal of old farm buildings; disturbance from human recreation; predation by domestic animals; mortality caused by agricultural equipment; and collection for the pet trade. Oecologia 148(1): 1-11. Nature communications 4: 1396. Thermal quality influences habitat selection at multiple spatial scales in milksnakes. Eberhardt, E., S. Mitchell and L. Fahrig. Please report sightings of milksnakes especially if you notice areas where they are gathering in the fall. You will not receive a reply. Status ranks apply to the species in its entirety, including all subspecies that occur in the named jurisdiction. Lampropeltis triangulum (Eastern Milk Snake) – southern Ontario southern Quebec Nerodia sipedon insularum (Lake Erie Watersnake) LC – islands in western Lake Erie [3] Nerodia sipedon sipedon (Northern Watersnake) LC – southern and central Ontario, [3] southern Quebec [8] Evaluate threats and encourage research to fill knowledge gaps, 3.1 Use data from conservation measure 2.1 to evaluate road mortality rates and identify road mortality hotspots. Ontario Reptile & Amphibian Atlas Coordinator, Ontario Nature, Toronto. Loss, S. R., Will, T., & Marra, P. P.2013. Marie and Lake Nipissing. 2015. Members include academics, specialists, Aboriginal people or government, & biologists. This management plan was drafted by Jennie L. Pearce (Pearce and Associates Ecological Research) and David Anthony Kirk (Aquila Conservation and Environment Consulting) with input and direction from Angela McConnell (Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario). However this disease may pose a threat to isolated and small populations as it adds yet another pressure upon them. For example, 22 dead Eastern Milksnakes were recorded in a study on the 1000 Islands Parkway in Eastern Ontario between 2008 and 2011 (Garrah 2012). It's located in Ontario, Canada.A medium-sized plastic container with room for TBs, geocoins and trinkets to trade. Many of these groups and communities have educational material available to landowners and land managers to provide advice in the conservation of the Eastern Milksnake. The disease has caused mortality in some cases but information on the effects of the disease at a population level is unavailable. The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a non-venomous constrictor in the family Colubridae. Environment Canada, Ottawa. Return to their hibernation sites by October. Many activities contributing to the conservation of the Eastern Milksnake, particularly those relating to habitat management, surveys and outreach, and threat mitigation, also target other at-risk reptiles, especially snakes, turtles and amphibians. To the extent possible, it has been prepared in cooperation with the Government of Ontario and the Government of Quebec. A rattle is a series of hollow, interlocked keratin segments at the tip of the tale that is used as a warning device for predators. NatureServe. Eastern Milksnakes have often been linked to living or hibernating in human–made structures or refuse, such as basement or crumbling foundations (Rowell 2013).