The Western Ribbon Snake is common throughout Harris County, and is commonly seen around homes. It is dark in background color, and the lighter colored stripes are highly variable in color, ranging from yellows to tans and even blues. Most people call these 'Garden' or 'Grass' snakes but this is not the true name for this beneficial little serpent. As with most snakes, Western Ribbon Snakes are completely harmless if encountered, and will readily slither off in the opposite direction if given the opportunity.
Ten Facts about Western Ribbon Snake
- The western ribbon snake is a medium sized Iowa snake measuring 20 to 30 inches in length.
- The ribbon snake is the most aquatic of the garter snakes found in Iowa. They are always associated with ponds, marshes, sloughs, rivers, and lakes.
- Fish, frogs, toads, salamanders, and earthworms are consumed.
- They eat their prey without constriction or venom, thus they have strong jaws to overpower their prey.
- Western Ribbon Snakes can be found just about anywhere there is a cool dark moist bit of soil - like nicely mulched landscaping.
- Predators include, foxes, hawks, snakes, dogs, wild cats, birds.
- Life span can be 8-10 years.
- Instead of diving, they skirt effortlessly across the top of the water.
- They breed in the spring and the young are born alive in late summer or autumn.
- The young are identical to the adults and are 5-8 inches in length.
