chicken snake
Noun: 1. A large non-venomous North American snake: This term refers to several species of large, constricting snakes native to North America. They are often found near farms or human dwellings because they prey on rodents and, as their name suggests, are known to eat eggs and young chickens.
The term "chicken snake" is a common name, not a scientific one. It is used informally to describe snakes observed in or around chicken coops. Its usage is primarily regional and colloquial. * The farmer found a chicken snake in the henhouse. * Despite its intimidating size, a chicken snake is harmless to people.
- As a generic label: In different regions of the United States, "chicken snake" can refer to different specific species, such as the rat snake ( spp.) or the fox snake. The precise meaning depends on local vernacular.
- Rat snake: A more specific common name for many of the snakes called "chicken snake."
- Corn snake (): A specific, often brightly colored species sometimes included under the broad "chicken snake" label in some areas.
- Rat snake
- Pilot snake (another regional common name)
The term "chicken snake" does not have distinctly separate meanings. Its core meaning is consistently a large, non-venomous, egg- or rodent-eating snake of North America. It is not used as an idiom or metaphor separate from its literal zoological reference.
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large North American snake
