Eastern Ribbon SnAke
Thamnophis saurita saurita
Conservation Status:
Photographed by Sophia Marler in Glastonbury
Description
Eastern ribbon snakes are one to two and a half feet long. They are gray, black, or brown with three yellow stripes along the body. One stripe is located in the middle of their back, while the other two are on each side. Their bellies are lighter, and the bottom jaw is generally white. They have very thin bodies.
Habitat
These snakes can be found near bodies of water, specifically forested wetlands or on the edges of ponds.
Behavior
Ribbon snakes are active all year long, however they may hibernate over the winter in burrows. Primarily they eat amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. When threatened, they are quick to flee. They release an unpleasant smell when handled. In April and May they will breed, and give birth to around twenty live young over the summer.
Range
Present
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Photographed by Sophia Marler
Often Confused with
Eastern Garter Snake
Photographed by bradyseven
Ribbonsnakes generally have thin, slender bodies and narrow heads, compared to the round and stocky garter snakes. Ribbonsnakes also have longer tails, unpatterned white lips, and a white spot in front of their eyes. Garter snakes commonly have a dark checkered pattern between their stripes, while ribbonsnakes are patternless.