Snake
Posted by Melissa Hinman on August 10, 2006
Q: When I was mowing my yard, I disturbed a snake. I live in Indiana, the snake appeared to be black with length-wise stripes of bright red. He was pretty. I just wanted to make sure he was harmless. I have many toads in my yard, will he eat them? I love my toads.
Thank You!
State: Indiana
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: The only snakes in Indiana with colorful lengthwise stripes are garter snakes (3 species) and ribbon snakes (2 species). They are all harmless. The Plains Garter Snake and the Western Ribbon Snake both typically have a bright orange stripe running down the back — I suspect you saw one of these.
Here is a list of the snakes of Indiana.
Solon Morse ( August 19, 2006)
A: Oh, and yes, garter snakes and ribbon snakes will both eat toads.
Solon Morse ( August 19, 2006)