Species Reptiles & AmphibiansWestern Ribbonsnake

Western Ribbonsnake

Thamnophis sauritus

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus)

The Eastern Ribbonsnake is a slender, semi-aquatic garter snake with vivid yellow stripes on a dark body. It is very fast and dives into water instantly when threatened, swimming easily to the opposite bank.

Habitat
Wetland edges, stream banks, and pond margins in eastern North America
Diet
Frogs, salamanders, and small fish
How common
Common

Best time to see a Western Ribbonsnake

The best time to see a Western Ribbonsnake is February–June, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 25,255 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Often confused with

Common Garter Snake - see how to tell them apart

Recent Western Ribbonsnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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