Upcoming Events
Wednesday, April 16th
April's meeting will focus on how to safely handle and present your reptile to the public. Please feel free to bring your own animal to show off.

Meetings start promptly at 8pm in the Alumni Room of Medaille College.

Annual Banquet
PLEASE NOTE: The annual banquet and recognition dinner will be rescheduled due to conflicts. The new date will likely be a Saturday in May, please contact a board member for more information.

Ribbon Snake

(Thamnophis sauritus)

Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sp.)

The Ribbon Snake is 18 - 40 inches long. They have a dark slender body with three light colored stripes. The side stripes usually occupy the third and fourth scale rows

These live-bearers begin mating in Spring and have 3 - 26 born in July or August. When born the young are only 7 - 9 inches long.

Ribbon Snakes are semi-aquatic and can usually be found in areas near water like wet marshes, ponds, lake shores and streams. When disturbed they will take to the water for refuge. Unlike water snakes who dive under the water, Ribbon Snakes can be seen gliding across the surface.

Ribbon Snakes can be found eating smaller prey such as earthworms, frogs, toads and salamanders. Because of the amount of time near water they can also frequently be observed eating fish as well.

If you are looking for care information on the many other different types of garter, ribbon, and water snakes available in the pet trade, please check out our Garter, Ribbon, Water Snakes Care Sheet.

Do Not Release Unwanted Pets

Remember that in many places it is illegal to take wildlife out of the wild without the proper permits from local, state, or federal authorities. Please do not release any captive reptiles or amphibians into the wild as this will disrupt the natural order of our environment. See our amphibian and reptile adoptions page for more information on what to do with unwanted herps.


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