fox snake

noun

1. a brown-blotched nonvenomous snake, Elaphe vulpina, of north-central U.S., that vibrates its tail and emits a pungent odor when disturbed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fox snake¹

First recorded in 1855–60; apparently so called from its reddish color

Example Sentences

One is the yellowish, brown-blotched fox snake of the prairie States, which is a ground keeper and a great hunter.

From Project Gutenberg

Like the Fox Snake it will emit an unpleasant odor when caught.

From Project Gutenberg