The Prairie Kingsnake is a constrictor. Feeds on small mammals, small snakes and lizards, and bird eggs. Fitch (1979) found that of 66 recorded food items, 66% by volume, was Prairie Voles, Microtus ochrogaster.
Sexual maturity is obtained in the second or third year (Fitch, 1979). Prairie Kingsnakes mate soon after emergence from their brumacula. The male will bite the head or neck of the female during courtship and keep a hold during copulation. Collins (1993) reports egg laying in June or July. The average clutch size is 11 (5-17). The eggs hatch in September.

Branson (1904) reported examining specimens from Scott, Gove, and Logan counties which outside of its range as currently described. Tiehen (1937) reported a specimen removed from the stomach of a Great Horned Owl one mile east of Coolidge in Hamilton County.
These snakes utilize a wide variety of habitats. They are found in prairies, (including sand prairies), open grassland, fields, pastures, in ditches along cultivated field and roads, woodlands, and some stream valleys and associated bluffs. They are most common in grasslands along forest edges and are only occasionally found in sand prairies. They also do not appear to be found deep in heavy woodlands very often.