Garter Snake vs Ribbon Snake
Verdict: Look at the build and tail. Ribbon snakes are slimmer with a tail making up a third or more of their length, while garter snakes are stouter with a shorter tail and side stripes on scale rows 2 and 3.
Garter snakes and ribbon snakes are close relatives with the same three light stripes, so photos often get mixed up. Both are non-venomous and common near water. The differences are mostly about proportions: ribbon snakes are slimmer, have a very long tail, move quickly and stay close to shallow water.
The most technical cue is where the side stripes sit. On a garter snake, they run along scale rows 2 and 3, while on a ribbon snake they run along rows 3 and 4. Ribbon snakes also have two pale spots on top of the head and a white lip, which garter snakes lack. Species within each group vary by region.
Garter Snake vs Ribbon Snake side by side
| Trait | Garter Snake | Ribbon Snake |
|---|---|---|
| Typical length | 18 to 26 in, up to about 42 in | 20 to 32 in, up to about 35 in |
| Build | Stouter | Very slender, among the slimmest snakes in its range |
| Tail | Proportionally shorter | Long, about a third or more of body length |
| Side stripe position | Scale rows 2 and 3 | Scale rows 3 and 4 |
| Head | No pair of pale parietal spots | Two pale spots on top of the head, black above and white below the eye |
| Stripes | Three light stripes with two rows of alternating dark spots between them | Three yellow stripes on a reddish-brown to black background |
| Habitat | Varied: forests, fields, swamps, stream edges, hedgerows | Shallow aquatic edges: ponds, swamps, bogs and stream banks |
| Diet | Amphibians, earthworms, mice, small fish, nestling birds | Mostly amphibians, plus small fish and invertebrates |
Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.
When you are looking at which
Garter Snake
- The snake looks stout for its length and has a short to medium tail.
- You find it in a hedgerow, field or woodpile far from any water.
- The side stripe sits on scale rows 2 and 3 in a clear photo.
- The head has no pair of pale spots on top, and the dark spots between the stripes are visible.
Ribbon Snake
- The snake looks thin and delicate, with a tail about a third of its total length.
- You find it right at the edge of a pond, bog or slow stream.
- The side stripe sits on scale rows 3 and 4 in a clear photo.
- The head shows two pale spots on top and a white upper lip below a dark eye.
How this works
The quiz scores five cues: body build, tail length, location, head markings and the scale row of the side stripe. Each answer scores for garter or ribbon snake, and the side with more answers decides the result. Answer from a photo or a safe look rather than by picking the snake up, and skip the scale row cue if the image is blurry.
Build and tail are the easiest cues, and the scale-row count needs a sharp photo. Species and regional forms vary across North America, so a local field guide or state wildlife agency can settle close calls. Both are harmless, so a wrong guess has no safety cost, but a ribbon snake may deserve extra care where it is protected.
Where these numbers come from
The figures and defaults on this page are based on:
- Connecticut DEEP: Common Gartersnake fact sheet, Garter snake size, stripes, habitat, diet, harmlessness and ribbon snake contrast. (checked October 2026)
- Connecticut DEEP: Common Ribbonsnake fact sheet, Ribbon snake size, tail, head spots, habitat and stripe scale rows. (checked October 2026)
- New Hampshire Fish and Game: Ribbon Snake, Ribbon snake size, tail length, stripe rows and aquatic habitat. (checked October 2026)
Field-identification guide based on northeastern US species. Other regions have different species, so check a local guide.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell a garter snake from a ribbon snake?
Ribbon snakes are slimmer with a longer tail, about a third or more of their length. The side stripe sits on scale rows 3 and 4 on a ribbon snake and rows 2 and 3 on a garter snake.
Are garter snakes or ribbon snakes venomous?
No. Both are non-venomous. A bite from a garter snake is not dangerous but can be painful, and they may release a foul musk when handled. Still, avoid handling wild snakes.
Where do ribbon snakes live?
Ribbon snakes stay close to shallow water, such as ponds, swamps, bogs and stream edges, and feed mostly on frogs, toads and salamanders. Garter snakes use a much wider range of habitats.
Are ribbon snakes rare?
In some areas, yes. Connecticut lists the common ribbonsnake as a species of special concern because of wetland loss, and New Hampshire also lists it as a species in greatest need of conservation.
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