Description
The Eastern Ribbon Snake is usually black or brown,
with three yellow to orange stripes. The side stripes are limited
to the third and fourth scale rows. The tail is quite long and
makes up approximately one-third the snake's length. Eastern
Ribbon Snakes can grow to almost a meter in length.
Confusing Species
The Eastern Ribbon Snake is actually a garter snake and
there are two other garter snakes in Ontario. The Common Garter Snake is quite similar in
appearance, but its side stripes are limited to the second and
third scale rows. Butler's Garter Snake is
limited to extreme southern Ontario and its side stripes extend
from the second to the fourth scale rows.
Distribution
In Canada, the range of the Eastern Ribbon Snake is
mainly limited to much of southern Ontario. There is also a relict
population in southern Nova Scotia. To the south, the Eastern
Ribbon Snake is found from the Great Lakes area south to Florida.
Habitat
The Eastern Ribbon Snake is semi-aquatic and is almost
always found close to water, from streams to ponds and marshes.
Usually the wetland areas it is associated with are close to
forested areas.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs in the spring after emerging from
hibernation. As in all garter snakes, females do not lay eggs but
give birth to their young. Females produce 3-26 young, although
5-12 is more common. The young are 18-23 cm long at birth and take
2-3 years to reach maturity.
Natural history
The Eastern Ribbon Snake is more aquatic than other
garter snakes and it is commonly seen swimming. It eats frogs,
tadpoles and fish. Ribbon Snakes will also bask in shrubs. When
startled they head for water. They hibernate underground in animal
burrows or rock outcroppings.
Conservation Concerns
The Eastern Ribbon Snake is widespread but very
localized. It is unclear how abundant this species really is.
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