The milk snake is a non-venomous species of snake found in North America. It belongs to the Colubridae family and is known for its distinctive coloration, which often includes bands of red, black, and yellow or white. These snakes can grow to lengths of 2 to 4 feet and are often mistaken for the venomous coral snake due to their similar color patterns. Milk snakes are primarily nocturnal and are often found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using constriction to subdue their prey. Milk snakes are generally harmless to humans and are popular in the pet trade due to their docile nature.