Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My cousin found this snake in the garage today. It is extremely small, only about 2-3" long and thinner than a worm. We were wondering exactly what it is and what it could eat. Thanks for any of your help. We are in southern Lancaster, PA.

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Gregory S. Hake

It looks as though the bottom of this snake is orange just like the band. It has some white right under it's chin.
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Gregory S. Hake

Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsi).

Hey oldherper, I see you on the Indigo forum a lot. Thanks for the help with IDing this snake. I never knew we had ringnecks here in this neck of the woods.

Take care,
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Gregory S. Hake

No troubles.

Yeah, I spend a little time in the Indigo forum. Not as much time as I spend cleaning Indigo cages, though.

RING neck dont keep it they dont do well in captivity, rarly eat and usaly die in a few weeks

n/p
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Gregory S. Hake

Now that I saw how small these snakes are when young, I am curious in what they could eat at that size. I am not wanting to keep it (I have enough snakes as it is and am running out of room to keep anymore) but curiosity killed the cat. This one even looks almost too small to eat a cricket.

Thanks,
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Gregory S. Hake

At least part of their diet consists of earthworms...they, like the snakes, come in various sizes.

~~Greg~~

Hi, Greg!

I recommend that you release him back to the wild, if you have not already done so. If you really would like a pet snake, please consider getting a captive bred snake. People trying to keep wild snakes not only can affect wild populations, but it's also not very successful. If he is injured then I'm sure that there is a rescue that can help him and release him when he is well, or if you don't mind the expense, with a herp vet's help, you can rehab him for release.

I apologize if I sound brunt, but I'm somewhat of an advocate for not owning wild caught snakes.

Oh! One more thought, check with your local authorities regarding snake ownership. Some areas completely outlaw it, some require liscences, some say you can only keep certain kinds, and some (like where I live) don't care either way. I would hate for you to go through the expense of owning a snake and caring for him only to have him siezed.

Thanks for letting me voice my thoughts!

a ring neck snake