Ribbon Snake Eastern behavior

The Ribbon Snake is a sleek snake that would make a beautiful pet for a beginning snake owner.

Usually, the easily tamed Eastern Ribbon Snake will not bite; rather, they release a smelly musk when frightened or alarmed. Often, captive Eastern Ribbon Snakes may remain rather easily stressed or nervous. Many may calm down if regularly handled. It has been reported that they will give off a musk smell if they are overly nervous. In the wild, frightened Eastern Ribbon Snakes usually seek shelter in the water or in thick vegetation. Eastern Ribbon Snakes are adept swimmers, though they usually remain in shallow waters toward the surface. Eastern Ribbon Snakes often become dormant in periods of dry weather, although they are quite active in the spring. They seem to enjoy basking on partially submerged objects in the water near their homes.

They are quite fast and agile and may escape easily in captivity, though they are rather easy to care for and can make a good snake for a beginner.