American corn snake
Alert
Have you seen American corn snake?
Be on the lookout for American corn snake and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing American corn snakes from becoming a major problem in Queensland.
Call us on 13 25 23.
American corn snake
© Queensland Government
American corn snake body
© Queensland Government
American corn snake different colour pattern
© Queensland Government
American corn snake on branch
© Queensland Government
American corn snake close up
© Queensland Government
Native to North America, the American corn snake takes its name from the pattern on its underside, which resembles multicoloured corn.
American corn snakes are popular pets in countries other than Australia, and are harmless to humans (although they will strike if disturbed). However, they do prey on small animals, coiling around their victims and suffocating them. If released into the wild in Australia, corn snakes could prey on and out-compete native species. To prevent them from establishing in Queensland, restrictions apply to their import, possession and sale.
The American corn snake is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Scientific name
Description
- Constrictor snake, generally with vivid reddish or orange blotches edged in black on grey or orange background, reaching adult length of 1–1.5m within 3–5 years.
- Skin colour intensifies with age.
- Albino or light-coloured specimens are readily available in American and European pet trade.
- Pattern on underside resembles multi-coloured ornamental corn.
Habitat
- Inhabits dry fields, open woodlands, grasslands and rock hillsides.
- Highly suited to Australian conditions.
- Not currently known to exist in the wild in Queensland.
Distribution
- Detected and seized as illegal pets in the wild in Queensland.
Life cycle
- Usually breeds after winter.
- Average clutch size is 10–12 eggs but can lay up to 30 eggs.
- Sexually mature at 600 days.
- Can live for up to 25 years.
Affected animals
- Native species
- small mammals
- reptiles
Impacts
Environmental
- Eats native species.
- Out-competes native species for resources.
- Could spread exotic reptile diseases.
Social
- Traded through illegal pet market.
Natural enemies
- Large birds and other reptiles (including snakes).
Control
- If you see or are in possession of an American corn snake, contact our Customer Service Centre within 24 hours.
Legal requirements
- The American corn snake is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by American corn snakes.
- You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by American corn snakes.
- You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.