Common Snake Species in Sterling Heights
Butler's Garter Snake: Appearance: Butler's garter snake is a small brown, olive, or black snake that grows to a maximum of 27 inches long. It has three yellow bands along the back and a yellow belly. Habitat: This snake species lives in marshes, moist meadows, empty urban lots, and lake edges. Their favorite diet is earthworms, though they also feed on salamanders and leeches. Behavior: Butler's garter snake is reclusive. But, during hibernation, it occupies the same dens as other snake species.Black Rat Snake: Appearance: The black rat snake is a glossy, large, and black species with a white throat and a white chin. Their juveniles have dull spots, just like some adults. This snake species grows up to 36-96 inches long. Habitat: A rat snake will often be found in rocky outcrops and barns in farmlands. It feeds on rodents, birds, and frogs. Behavior: This snake exhibits diurnal behavior where it forages or basks out in the sun. However, they are alert at night in warm places.
Kirtland's Snake: Appearance: This snake is a small red-brown snake with black patches along the back. It has a red or pink belly with blotches and a black head. A full-grown adult measures 12-18 inches long. Habitat: Kirtland's snake occupies vacant lots, open swampy woodlands, and damp meadows. Behavior: This snake species is a fossorial, nocturnal yet secretive organism. Most times, it remains under objects like debris and rarely basks out.
Ring-necked Snake: Appearance: A fully-grown ring-necked snake is 20-24 inches long. It's gray to black with glossy scales and a yellow stripe at the neck. Also, the belly is yellow or red with black spots. Habitat: Ring-necked snakes occupy moist areas, especially woodlands like under barks and logs. They feed on baby snakes, slugs, and earthworms. Behavior: Ring-necked snakes are den makers and return to them yearly. They are nocturnal, though they may spend day time basking in the sun on rocks.