There are many dissimilar kinds of snakes in the United States , and Pennsylvania is not an exception to this formula . Of all the snakes that live in the state , garter snakes are one of the most prevalent and alone species . Garter snakes are easily identified by their dark dorsal pigmentation , pale side stripes , and low body with little space between the heads and neck opening .
Ribbonsnakes , a peculiarly lithesome subspecies of garter snakes , take the concept of slimness to the extreme point . With this context , allow ’s cut into into a concise geographic expedition of Pennsylvania ’s supporter Snake River population .
Different Types of Garter Snakes in Pennsylvania
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis , the scientific name for the commonGarter Snake , is a aboriginal Pennsylvanian that coexist alongside the Eastern Garter Snake in the same surround . The common garter serpent has three pale yellow orwhite stripesthat run along its flank and back . Its coloring is dark olive - green or chocolate-brown . The side stripes blend in with the pallid yellow venter , while the top bar start at the neck .
The common garter snake is short and lean , as is distinctive of garter snakes . While rarefied specimens reach distance of up to 4 feet , the most are little curt than 2 foot . They experience in fields , riparian zones , and woodland at dissimilar elevations in Pennsylvania . coarse garter snakes hibernate in radical during the winter month ; these groups of snake deal a burrow known as a “ hibernacula . ”
When the weather is lovesome throughout the day , this snake is more active . In avocation of polliwog , toad , and worm , it swim across pool and slithers along shorelines . Interestingly , common supporter snakes have been observed to eat affectionate - bloodedanimalslike mice and voles , in contrast to certain other specie .
Eastern Ribbon Snake
The most plebeian race of Ribbon Snakes is the Eastern Ribbon Snake , scientifically known as Thamnophis sauritus sauritus , which is why it is also bid the “ Common Ribbon Snake . ” Its across-the-board range includes much of the Southeast , and some individuals have been found as far north as New England and Pennsylvania , especially in the easterly share of the state .
This skilled natator lives , eggs , and pursues its prey mostly near lake and streams . Its primary food source include salamanders and Gaul , as well as small fish . The Hydra ’s sizing change with age , roll from half a invertebrate foot to over two and a half foot , and its eating drug abuse change depending on how cock-a-hoop of prey it can eat .
The three unique stripes on the side of meat and back of Eastern RibbonSnakes assist in their recognition . These markings , which help identify the mintage , consist of a chevron on either side and a stripe ladder the length of the spine from the head to the rear . Eastern Ribbon Snakes rarely act defensively when they are jeopardize ; alternatively , they usually shroud .
Ribbon Snake
The Ribbon Snake , or Thamnophis sauritus as it is by rights named , is aspecies of garter snakefound in much of the easterly United States . Seeing a ribbon snake on a nature walk is not dangerous because it is not toxicant to humans .
One of their distinguishing characteristics is that ribbonsnakes ordinarily have three chicken stripeson them . This classifiable shape is seen in Pennsylvania in both Ribbonsnake species .
In reception to Pennsylvania ’s winter coldness , ribbon snakes undergo brumation , a hibernation - like state leave periodical awakenings for drinking water before return to slumber .
medallion snakes choose their habitats mostly based on the comportment of water . They are proficient bather and use this ability to go for fish , anuran , and toad . Interestingly , ribbon snakes do not eat warm - blooded animals ; instead , they only hunt down moth-eaten - blooded quarry .
The Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania are home to several Ribbon Snakes as well . They flourish in these forests because they pop the question a lot of moisture as well as a variety of concealment station beneath folio litter and low - grow botany .
Northern Ribbon Snake
As the second of the four ribbon snake race , the northern laurel wreath snake is officially known as Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis . All of Pennsylvania ’s northwest is base to this specific race , which is found only in its northern area . Due to their preference for inhabit near the coastline of these body of water , northerly thread Hydra have a tight relationship with the Great Lakes .
One way to identify a northern ribbon snake is to look for its three noticeablewhite or light yellow stripes on its mostly full radiator . As is typical of garter snake , these stripes are located on the left side , right side , or spine . Thesnake also has smallwhite “ half - moon ” marks aright in front of each eye , as well as a pallid stomach .
Low - dwell localization with plenty ofwater are the practiced site to search for northern ribbon snakes , for those who are lucky enough to venture into northwestern Pennsylvania . This snake in the grass is a skilled bather that live on well in fresh water configurations . Its primary solid food author include salamander , tiny Pisces the Fishes , and frogs . The northerly ribbon serpent , which may grow up to 26 inch in length , contributes to the part ’s biodiversity .
Eastern Garter Snake
The Eastern Garter Snake , scientifically know as Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis , stands as a race of the Common Garter Snake , fly high throughout the United States in various habitats like deserts , coast , and prairie . boom notably in the forests and meadows of Pennsylvania , it presents an olive common , black , or chocolate-brown base color accent by occasional colored green scales . Three strike yellow stripe elegantly line its body , aligning with the spine and adorning its sides , creating a distinctive and captivating presence within its diverse reach of habitats .
While the average length reaches 26 inches , some Eastern Garter Snakes surpass 40 column inch . Highly adaptable , they nuzzle in various locations like rubbish mass , sometime plowland , and outbuilding , even making appearances in city community of interests gardens . Despite their timeserving diet , consuming frogs , worms , and slugs , they swiftly retire when threatened , prioritizing evasion over encounter .
Shorthead Garter Snake
The scientific name for shorthead supporter snakes is Thamnophis brachystoma , and they are native to Pennsylvania , only receive in the northeasterly region of the country . These snakes normally survive under logs , rocks , or folio litter that is near open fields . These areas could be fallow farming priming produced by human action or lifelike meadows .
As moderate baskers , these snakes expose a funny demeanour in that they favor to bask on sunless days . In contrast to several othersnake metal money , Shorthead Garter Snakes exhibit social behaviors , oft meet in groups . However , scientists are still unsure of the precise causal agency of this behavior .
These snakes , which only consume earthworm , utilise the exposed soil in meadows and open fields to find and grab their repast . Shorthead Garter Snakes are characterized by their olive - green scales and three trenchant xanthous grade insignia that run from the school principal to the tail . They range in length from 10 to 22 inches .
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