<P> It has been suggested that Pantherophis guttatus can be split into three species: Pantherophis guttatus, Pantherophis emoryi (corresponding with the subspecies Pantherophis guttatus emoryi) and Pantherophis slowinskii (occurring in western Louisiana and adjacent Texas). </P> <P> Pantherophis guttatus was previously placed in the genus Elaphe, but Elaphe was found to be paraphyletic by Utiger et al., leading to placement of this species in the genus Pantherophis . The placement of Pantherophis guttatus and several related species in Pantherophis rather than Elaphe has been confirmed by further phylogenetic studies . Many reference materials still use the synonym Elaphe guttata . Molecular data has shown that corn snakes are actually more closely related to king snakes (genus Lampropeltis) than they are to the Old World rat snakes with which they were formerly classified . Corn snakes have even been bred in captivity with California king snakes to produce fertile hybrids known as "Jungle corn snakes". </P> <P> Wild corn snakes prefer habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, palmetto flatwoods and abandoned or seldom - used buildings and farms, from sea level to as high as 6,000 feet . Typically, these snakes remain on the ground until the age of 4 months old but can ascend trees, cliffs and other elevated surfaces . They can be found in the southeastern United States ranging from New Jersey to the Florida Keys and as far west as Texas . </P> <P> In colder regions, snakes hibernate during winter . However, in the more temperate climate along the coast they shelter in rock crevices and logs during cold weather, and come out on warm days to soak up the heat of the sun . During cold weather, snakes are less active and therefore hunt less . </P>

Where do corn snakes live in the wild
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