Common Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus

Identification
This slender species has three bright stripes on a dark background and a long tail that makes up a third of its length.

Location
Uncommon statewide

Size
18 to 34 inches

Diet
It feeds on amphibians and small fish and captures prey with quick strikes.

Habitat
It inhabits wetlands and stream edges across Ohio but is less common than the Eastern Garter Snake.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is agile and semi aquatic and often hunts along water margins. It is most active in warm months near water.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females give birth to live young in late summer.

Population
The population is stable but patchy.

History
It has been recorded in Ohio since early natural history surveys.

Human Interactions
It is harmless and flees quickly when approached.

Facts
It is one of the fastest moving garter snake relatives.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Amphibians small fish insects | Wetlands streams marsh edges | Statewide but scattered