Why the corn snake is endangered in New Jersey

LSC News

A few days ago, we introduced you to one of LSC’s newest animal residents: the purple pincher hermit crab.

Now we’d like to introduce you to the corn snake, another newcomer to the family! Though common in other parts of the Eastern United States, our corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is actually listed as an endangered species in New Jersey, due to severe habitat loss and illegal collecting for the pet trade.

The corn snake can be found occupying habitat near grain and corn or in edge habitats where forests meet fields.

Despite lacking limbs, corn snakes readily climb trees, using their scales and body muscles to create friction and grip onto narrow crevices in tree bark. You can see our corn snake enjoying some enrichment and showing off his impressive climbing ability on our concertina climber structure:

The corn snake can’t wait to meet you! Stop by for a visit in LSC’s Eat and Be Eaten exhibition, home to 100+ fascinating animal species.


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