Posted by:
aliceinwl
at Sun Aug 7 02:46:26 2005 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by aliceinwl ]
I agree with the other post regarding release sites.
I haven't personally dealt with ribbons, but this is what I've read: for food try frogs, salamanders, or small fish (according to the Peterson guide they don't like worms, but I'm pretty sure I've read instances on here of others successfully feeding worms so they could be worth a try). I've also read about people successfully using fish to scent pinkies.
As far as handling, I'm not sure. Bites are no big deal. I've caught a lot of garters, most have just wanted to musk, but I've had a few clamp on. There's only one way to determine what yours will do 
If your snake is indeed a ribbon snake, the western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus) is the only species of ribbon found in Texas. In Houston, you would have the gulf coast subspecies. You've also got eastern garters in your area. Ribbons have long tails which are generally about 1/3rd the length of the snake while a garter's tail will typically be much shorter. Ribbons will also have lateral stripes on the 3rd and 4th scale rows while eastern garters will have lateral stripes on the 2nd and 3rd scale rows.
Hope this helps,
Alice
[ Hide Replies ]
|
RE: Possibly Ribbon Snake? - aliceinwl, Sun Aug 7 02:46:26 2005