Species Highlight: Southern Ring-Neck Snake

Southern Ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus punctatus)

Status: chillin, not endangered lol

These snakes are super small! They can grow to be about a foot, the one above is about 6-8 inches long. They are not endangered and have no protections. They have a cute ring around their neck (hence the name) and a beautiful red-orange underbelly. These snakes have smooth scales. Since they are small, it makes sense that their prey will be similarly small. They eat bugs, worms, and small reptiles (baby lizards). Ring-neck snakes prefer to live in moist leaf litter, underneath logs, and in similarly damp environments. You can find them all over peninsular Florida and into other southern states like Georgia, Virginia etc. I typically find these guys near my home, usually stuck in our screened in porches, sometimes in the pool. Like most animals, they are drawn to pools as a source of water, fall in, and get stuck. If you are afraid to touch them, you can use a skimmer, bucket, or anything on hand to fish them out.

Technically speaking, ring-neck snakes do have venom, but it is not a strong enough venom to kill a human and they do not typically bite. The most dangerous thing about this snake is that its small size makes it extremely delicate. New or nervous handlers should be sure to hold it loosely in their hand and closer to the ground in case you accidentally drop it. Sometimes, the snake will musk if it is scared. Musking is when a snake emits a strong-smelling musk from their butts lol (actually a gland in their cloaca). It smells bad, but it is not dangerous to you.

Overall, they are beautiful little snakes and such a treat to have as your neighbor!