Habitat for Coral Snakes

Geographic Locations

• In the United States, the coral snake can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, Louisiana and Florida. The coral snake inhabits only a corner of New Mexico. In Arizona the coral snake inhabits primarily the Sonoran Desert. Out of these states you are most likely to find an eastern coral snake in Florida. The coral snake inhabits many areas of Central America and most of South America. The coral snake also inhabits Mexico.

Favored Habitats

• Coral snakes like to inhabit pine and scrub oak sand hills. They prefer areas of seasonal flooding and lots of rain, especially suburban areas. The coral snake prefers a habitat where the Saguaro Cactus is present. Deserts are a favored habitat as well; due to their secretive nature, they like hiding under soil, sand or rocks. If they are to inhabit a desert they will most likely inhabit upland desert areas.

Secretive Nature of Habitat

• Coral snakes prefer to keep their habitat secret from intruders. They like to hide themselves and prefer to remain solitary from other species. Because of this, they spend most of their time underground, or under rocks. They spend a limited time above ground. It is unlikely to find a coral snake in a tree or in a shrub. Due to their secretive nature, coral snakes are seldom seen. According to Tara Barrentine of Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, because of this they are offered no federal or state protection because their habitat could easily be destroyed accidentally.

Habitat Condition Requirements

• Since they are secretive, coral snakes require habitats that are rocky and full of sand or soil. They require lots of hiding places. Even piles of leaves will suffice.They require habitats where lizards, frogs and smaller snakes also inhabit since this is their natural diet. However, a coral snake will also eat another coral snake.