Northern Ring-necked Snake

A Northern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) was spotted sunning itself outside the Visitor Center after a few days of warm weather. This common, nonvenomous Appalachian reptile begins brumation in late September or October, finding refuge under rocks, logs, and leaf litter during the colder months. Ring-necked snakes will typically emerge from their dormant period in April and are most active in May and June.

Photo by Hankyu Kim.