A-luring Tails
Posted by john on July 27, 2003
Q: I found a baby snake while mowing my lawn. I live in central Alabama. it was under some plastic in the front yard. It was a moist and dark place. I think it was a baby ring neck from what I have read. It is about 8 inches in length. It does have a yellowish ring behind the head. It is a slate grey color with a solid brown stripe running down its back from the ring to the edge of its tail. the underbelly is a solid cream color with no black dots. Any help in the identity of this snake would be apprecated.
A: Your description was very helpful. Based on where you live, it sounds like you found a Ringneck Snake. Their adult size is 10-15 inches so you probably have a "teenager". Alabama is fortunate to have 3 subspecies living in that state, (Northern, Southern and Mississippi Ringnecks) and the three converge in the middle of your state. You mentioned that your snake has a solid cream underbelly rather than one with spots so I'm pretty sure you have a Northern subspecies.
Ringneck snakes eat live food (all snakes are carnivors) and feed on salamanders, frogs, earthworms, even other small snakes. Ringneck snakes are totally harmless so don't be alarmed about having it in your yard. In fact, they're such a nice, little snake, you can feel good that it's living there. Enjoy.
John Wiessinger ( July 28, 2003)