snake
Posted by Kristi Squires on August 26, 2006
Q: My husband found a very smallsnake about 4 inches long. It is grayish/blask with a white stripe around its head. Has a triangle shaped head. We live in Texas. I have never seen one that small. We have small children and would like to try and find out what type of snake it might be, as snakes are on the run in our neighborhood lately. Last week we found a Ribbon snake in our garage and another neighbor found a Rattle sanke in their garage. Just want to be cautious. Any info you could provide would be helpful. Thanks!
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Texas
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: You've found a Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus). There are 3 subspecies that live in Texas (the Mississippi Ringneck, Prairie Ringneck and Regal Ringneck Snakes)depending on what part of the state you live in. These are totally harmless snakes that never get very large (10-15") and are probably one of our most beautiful snakes in North America. You needn't worry a bit about children or pets with this animal. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( August 27, 2006)