Range
Eastern United States and Canada from southern Nova Scotia to southeastern Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, and southern Florida.
Habitats
Generally stays near natural cover like grass and shrubs. Inhabits marshes, swamps, slow streams, and wet meadows. Will hibernate in animal burrows, the mounds of ants, and sometimes on high rocky slopes.
Identification
Exhibits one yellow stripe running down top of back and two yellow stripes running on either side of body. Average length is from 16-28 total inches; displays keeled scales. Venter is yellowish; lip scales are not patterned. Adults are sexually mature at either 2 or 3 years old. Young are birthed in late summer; clutch size ranges from 3 to 26.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians