A 2011 paper by Crother, White, Savage, Eckstut, Graham and Gardner proposed that the Mississippi River be established as the species boundary between two species of fox snakes, and that those found to its east be considered P. vulpinus (including those previously known as P. gloydi ) and those found to its west be given the new name P. ramspotti.

P. ramspotti is found in the upper Midwestern United States, west of the Mississippi River.

Preferred natural habitats include forest, shrubland, grassland, and freshwater wetlands.

P. ramspotti is fairly bold and will travel in close proximity to other animals and humans if undisturbed.

When confronted, it "rattles" its tail to imitate a rattlesnake and to attempt to deter the perceived threat.