Northern Ringneck Snake

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

This snake has a divided anal plate and also fifteen scale rows. Average adult size is between ten and twenty-four inches. The distinguishing characteristic of this snake is the golden or yellowish ring around its’ neck. The belly is also uniformly yellow, sometimes having a row of black dots on it. The rest of the body is either gray, black, or brownish. The Northern Ringneck Snake emits a pungent, unpleasant smelling musk when attacked.