Actually the snake, in a sense, is protecting the hen house from rats and mice which make up 95% of its diet. The corn snake is named for the species' regular presence near grain stores, where it preys on mice and rats that eat harvested corn (maize). Other sources maintain that the corn snake is so-named because the distinctive, nearly-checkered pattern of the snake's belly scales resembles the kernels of variegated corn. It is often referred to as a “Rat Snake”. They are found throughout the southeastern and central United States, ranging from New Jersey to the Florida Keys. Though superficially resembling the venomous Copperhead ) and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, the corn snake lacks functional venom and is harmless. They almost exclusively eat mice and rats. The corn snake is beneficial to humans because it helps to control populations of wild rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease. Corn snakes are one of the most popular types of snakes to keep in captivity or as pets, second only to the ball python. After many generations of selective breeding, captive bred corn snakes are found in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. These result from recombining the dominant and recessive genes that code for proteins involved in chromatophore development, maintenance, or function. New variations, or morphs, become available every year as breeders gain a better understanding of the genetics involved.