Reptile
Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximusAlso known as Ribbon Snake
Western ribbon snakes are extraordinarily sleek, fast-moving reptiles that thrive along the sunlit margins of ponds, marshes, and slow streams. A prominent yellow or orange dorsal stripe runs down their dark body, punctuated by bright whitish spots in front of each eye. When startled, they vanish into shallow water with remarkable agility, quickly outmaneuvering predators to forage for frogs and small fish.
Semi-aquaticSlenderNon-venomous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGreen Frog, Fowler's Toad, Tadpoles
Predators
- Great Blue Heron
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Raccoon
ThreatsWetland degradation, water pollution, and road mortality
HabitatsWetlands, marshes, lake margins, prairie streams, and ditches
Life span5–10 years
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- GenusThamnophis
- SpeciesThamnophis proximus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; may release musk or bite defensively if caught.
Responsible observation
- Best Observed Near Water: Look along sunlit edges of ponds, marshes, and slow streams during warm mornings.
- Watch for Speed: Swift swimmers and runners that disappear rapidly into dense vegetation when startled.
- Avoid Handling: Highly nervous snakes that release a foul-smelling musk and may bite defensively if restrained.
Prey / Predator Carl D. Howe / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Basar, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative MH Herpetology / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
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