Ring-necked Snake
Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) small and slender grey or black snake with a narrow yellow to tan ring encircling its body just behind the head — thus the name. Often the head is a darker shade than the rest of the body. Scales usually appear glossy. Underbelly is yellow, orange, or red. Small and juvenile snakes are commonly 4-5 inches with adults up to 10-15 inches.
Due to their non-aggressive nature, these snakes are one of the easiest to handle.
Creature Facts
- Hazard Level: LOW HAZARD – The Ring-necked Snake is known for being gentle and non-aggressive. Though it has venomous teeth in the back of it’s mouth it uses when swallowing prey, it can’t bite humans when handled.
- Where to find them: They can be found in the woods under rocks and leaves where they hunt their prey. They can also be seen basking on roads and rocks. Most active dawn, dusk, and at night.
- What they eat: Salamanders, worms, soft-bodied insects, and occasionally small snakes.
Sources and More Information
- “Ring-Necked Snake.” Wikipedia, October 6, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring-necked_snake.
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