Interesting facts:
Although the prairie kingsnake hibernates in winter, it may come out in winter on warmer, sunny days, and it comes out of hibernation earlier than other snakes.

Description:
The prairie kingsnake is a large, slender snake that grows up to 50 inches long. Its ground color is a neutral gray, tan, olive, or brown. The dark blotches are dark gray or brown, or (in southern Illinois) red-brown. The blotches may go across the back similar to bands, or may be large dots towards the sides.

Habitat and behavior:
The female lays eggs in the summer. The eggs hatch by September. Young and adults hibernate through the winter in underground chambers.

Food:
It feeds on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and insects.

Distribution and status:
The prairie kingsnake is found in fields and prairies in the southern three-fifths of Illinois. It is found in the southern United States from the Atlantic coast to Texas.