Eastern Ribbon Snake

How to identify

• Three bright yellow stripes on a dark brown or black background
• Very slender body — noticeably thinner than a gartersnake of similar length
• Very long tail, roughly one-third of total length
• White or pale yellow spot in front of each eye
• Clean white belly

About this species

The eastern ribbon snake closely resembles the gartersnake but is noticeably more slender with a proportionally longer tail. They are closely tied to aquatic and wetland habitats and are excellent swimmers. Ribbon snakes primarily eat frogs, salamanders, and small fish.

Often confused with

Did you know

"Eastern ribbon snakes can be found hunting at the very edge of the water and are capable of running across the water surface for short distances when fleeing predators."

Sightings & citizen science

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