Milk snakes are native to North America and normally grow up to 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) long. Their coloration varies from alternating bands or blotches of red, black, yellow, white, or brown to entirely black. They hunt rodents, birds, and other snakes, suffocating their prey by constriction.

Although they pose no threat to humans, milk snakes are often killed because people think they are dangerousmost likely one of the reasons the species landed a starring role in Snakes on a Plane. The snakes' colors can resemble venomous coral snakes, and the creatures can mimic a rattlesnake's noisy tail shake.

 More Photos in the News
 Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
 Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"