This beautifully patterned snake is non-venomous and related to kingsnakes.

Their coloration varies with different subspecies. As with many other snakes, the younger snakes are more brightly colored, which fades a bit with age. Adults are typically 3 to 4 feet in length but are known to reach 5 feet or more.

They are opportunistic feeders on all sorts of animals, from insects and worms to small rodents, and even bird eggs.

The milksnake is one of more common snakes in the Smokies.