Habitat: A semi aquatic species, which seldom wanders far from ponds, streams, swamps or bogs. It is an active hunter and spends much of its time stalking its prey in the emergent vegetation at the edges of its wetland habitat. To escape terrestrial predators it will readily enter deeper water and take cover in submerged vegetation. 

Food: The diet of the Eastern Ribbon Snake is composed mainly of amphibians, with frogs being in the majority. Salamanders, small fishes, Leeches, and arthropods are also consumed. Unlike Garter Snakes they do not normally feed on earthworms.

Reproduction: Ribbon Snakes become sexually mature at two to three years of age. Courtship and mating takes place soon after emergence from hibernation, usually early in the month of May. Occasionally some mating takes place in fall before the snakes go into hibernation. In our area sometime in late July or August, females give birth to 6-26 live young. 

Hibernation: During the month of October the snakes seek out places to hibernate in ant mounds, rodent tunnels, crayfish burrows, and among upturned tree roots at the waters edge. They will remain in hibernation throughout the winter and emerge sometime late in the month of March.