Identification

• The typical ringneck snake is between 10 and 15 inches in length and quite thin. The various subspecies are dark gray on top and yellow to orange underneath, with the slender yellow and sometimes orange ring encircling the neck.
  
  

Geography

• Few snake species possess a larger geographical range than this type, with the ringneck common in the eastern U.S. and into the Southwest deserts. The ringneck snake also lives along the majority of the Pacific Coast.
  
  

Habitat

• Although the ringneck snake can make its home in almost any habitat across its range, it greatly prefers forested areas with moist ground. It will stay out of view by remaining under rocks, logs and leaves.
  
  

Diet

• The diet of the ringneck, which has a mild venom completely harmless to people but strong enough to help it capture prey, includes lizards, insects and other small snakes.
  
  

Young

• The young of the ringneck snake have the same telltale marking across the neck and are miniature versions of the adults.