I saw non-native to MD blue striped ribbon snake in Ellicott City - Ask Extension
I found a photo of the snake I saw while cutting a lawn today,May 16,2024 in Ellicott City, MD. It was about 24 inches long and maybe 5/8 in to 3/4 in...
Knowledgebase
I saw non-native to MD blue striped ribbon snake in Ellicott City #868820
Asked May 16, 2024, 11:29 PM EDT
I found a photo of the snake I saw while cutting a lawn today,May 16,2024 in Ellicott City, MD. It was about 24 inches long and maybe 5/8 in to 3/4 in diameter. It was black with thin teal-blue stripes that ran lengthwise. It came out from under a front step as I approached with the mower, it slithered up over the corner of the step and down into the ground-cover plants besidethe step. The photo I found online, but the snake is alive and well in an Ellicott City yard. It should not be here, should it? How do we report non-native snakes and to whom?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
We suspect you saw a Common/Eastern Ribbonsnake instead, as it is highly unlikely that a Blue-striped Ribbonsnake would be found so far out of its native range. (While pet exotic snakes sometimes do escape a home, this isn't a species most people would be keeping.)
Eastern Ribbonsnakes can have somewhat bluish coloration, as noted in the Snakes of Virginia web pages maintained by the Virginia Herpetological Society. The MD DNR's website for Maryland Snakes might also be useful in determining what is the closest match, as would the image galleries for the species listed on Maryland Biodiversity Project. Common Gartersnakes are also quite widespread and certain individuals might have an unusual coloration like appearing a bit bluish.
If you would like to inquire with wildlife biologists at the MD Department of Natural Resources, an email can be sent to <personal data hidden> (especially if you want to share photos, should you happen to get one in a future encounter) or, if you would like to speak to someone, they have a Wildlife and Heritage Service phone number at<personal data hidden>. The phone line is staffed during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except state holidays and weekends.
Miri
Eastern Ribbonsnakes can have somewhat bluish coloration, as noted in the Snakes of Virginia web pages maintained by the Virginia Herpetological Society. The MD DNR's website for Maryland Snakes might also be useful in determining what is the closest match, as would the image galleries for the species listed on Maryland Biodiversity Project. Common Gartersnakes are also quite widespread and certain individuals might have an unusual coloration like appearing a bit bluish.
If you would like to inquire with wildlife biologists at the MD Department of Natural Resources, an email can be sent to <personal data hidden> (especially if you want to share photos, should you happen to get one in a future encounter) or, if you would like to speak to someone, they have a Wildlife and Heritage Service phone number at<personal data hidden>. The phone line is staffed during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except state holidays and weekends.
Miri
