Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis sauritus
NH Conservation Status: NH Wildlife Action Plan Species in Greatest Need of Conservation
State Rank Status: Vulnerable
Distribution: Throughout NH except far north.
Description: A very slender snake measuring 16-35 inches. Has 3 yellow or greenish stripes running down the surface on scale rows 3 and 4. The tail (starting at the cloaca and ending at the tip) is long and thin and measures 1/3 the length of the body
Commonly Confused Species: Common garter snakes do not have the long tail and has lateral stripes on scale rows 2 and 3.
Habitat: Found in and near aquatic habitats such as ponds, swamps, bogs, and stream edges. May be found in wet woodlands but seldom stray far from water. Uses brushy areas on the edges of water for concealment.
Life History: Ribbon snakes generally give live birth to 10-12 young from July to September. Hibernates underground on higher ground.
Conservation Threats: Loss and degradation of wetland habitats; anything that results in reduced amphibian populations.