Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, I have a captured/rescued what I think to be a ribbon snake, I live in Houston, Texas. I don't have any experience with Ribbon snakes so was not sure how many species we have in the Houston area. Also, I plan to take him to Navasota near my mothers home to let him go. Until I can make that trip should I feed him earthwarms, slugs, frogs? What do they eat? Also, I have not handled him as he was deliverd to me this morning at work so trying not to freak the cubicle buddies out. Are they fairly docile or should I get ready to be bitten? Any informaiton you can provide would be appreciated.

Miller
-----
1.1 Florida King
1.0 Eastern Kings
1.0 Black Milksnake
1.0 Chow Chow
0.2 Cats

I don't know where you plan to release this snake is in relation to Houston but in general, releasing wildlife is not a good idea. Different localities are cut off from others, and disease resistance/parasites can vary even from pond to pond! In addition to this, snakes released far from where they are found are often disorientated and depending on the location, they may not be able to find food, water, and shelter.

I would try to track down where this guy was found and release him as close as possible (obviously if on a road, check the nearby pond or culvert) to that site.

If this guy has come into contact with any captive herps, (even in the same herp room is not a good idea) than he should definately not be released as possible contamination with foreign or exotic pathogens is likely even if your captives are happy and healthy.

Thanks for the lecture but you did not answer any of the questions I asked. Sorry for the attitude but, one of my peeves with this site is that everyone wants to give a lecture. I am not new to snakes so really get annoyed when treated as such. Thanks anyway.

Miller
-----
1.1 Florida King
1.0 Eastern Kings
1.0 Black Milksnake
1.0 Chow Chow
0.2 Cats

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

Thank you very much Alice for answering my questions! I have a general understanding of the environment these guys are normally found in so I was going to release him (if I still do after your advice) in an area of the country near a body of water. From what I have read read I figured their dietary requirements were similiar to Garters but wanted to get some first had advice. What I have Is definitely a Ribbon Snake. A friend caught him in their flower bed. Before she brought it to me, I told her from the discription she gave it was most likely a Ribbon Snake. The main reason I wanted to let it go in Navasota (about 60 or so miles outside of Houston) was to prevent it from being run over or caught again in somebody's flower bed that did not know to call me (lolol) and would kill the cute fellow. In Navasota he would have a better chance in my oppinion as long as I relased him in suitable habitat.

Thanks again,
Miller
-----
1.1 Florida King
1.0 Eastern Kings
1.0 Black Milksnake
1.0 Chow Chow
0.2 Cats