Conservation Status: Specially Protected (SARA & COSEWIC)

Size: 91 cm (36”)

Defining feature(s): One dorsal and three lateral stripes always present.  The lateral stripe starts on the third and fourth scale row leaving a distinct dark line between the ventral scales and the lateral stripe. The body is much more slender than that of garter snakes and the tail is approximately 1/3 of the total body length. A crescent shaped light patch is present in front of the eye.

Other features: The dorsal scales are keeled and black to olive green in colour.  A light spot is often present on top of the head between the eyes.  The head is longer and more slender than that of an Eastern Garter Snake.

Habitat: Ribbon snakes are a wetland species that is associated with wetlands such as marshes, bogs, swamps, ponds, streams and rivers.  They are typically found cruising the edges of these wetlands in search of food.

Reproduction: Like garter snake, ribbon snakes breed in the early spring and give birth late in the summer.  The young are born live and range in number from 5 to 20.