10 Striped Snakes in Arkansas Every Homeowner Should Recognize

You might be surprised to learn that Arkansas is home to over 38 snake species, with nearly a third displaying some form of striping pattern.

Whether you’re gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying your backyard, knowing how to identify snakes with stripes in Arkansas can help you distinguish between harmless native species and those requiring more caution.

From the common garter snake that frequents suburban lawns to the sleek ribbon snakes near water features, each striped species has distinct characteristics that make identification straightforward once you know what to look for.

This guide covers the 10 most commonly encountered striped snakes in Arkansas, giving you the confidence to identify them safely and accurately.

1. Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

The Common Garter Snake is arguably the most recognizable striped snake in Arkansas and the species you’re most likely to encounter around your home. This adaptable serpent displays three distinct longitudinal stripes running the length of its body – typically one bright yellow or cream-colored stripe down the center of the back and two lighter stripes along each side.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 18-26 inches on average
• Three prominent longitudinal stripes (yellow, cream, or white)
• Background coloration varies from green to brown to black
• Stockier build compared to ribbon snakes
• Shorter tail (less than 1/3 of total body length)

Habitat and Behavior: Common Garter Snakes thrive in diverse environments from suburban gardens to prairies and woodland edges. They’re excellent swimmers but don’t require water proximity like their ribbon snake cousins. These adaptable snakes are active during daylight hours and often bask on warm surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, or garden paths.

Homeowner Notes: This species is completely harmless and beneficial, feeding primarily on earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians. They may release a musky odor when handled but pose no threat to humans or pets.

2. Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)

The Plains Garter Snake represents another common striped species throughout Arkansas, particularly in grassland and prairie regions. While similar to the Common Garter Snake, it has distinguishing features that help separate the two species.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 20-28 inches typically
• Three stripes, with the center stripe often more orange or reddish
• Side stripes positioned on the 3rd and 4th scale rows
• More robust build than Common Garter Snake
• Background coloration typically darker

Habitat and Behavior: Plains Garter Snakes prefer open grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas but adapt well to suburban environments with adequate cover. They’re particularly fond of areas near water sources but don’t require aquatic habitats for survival.

Homeowner Notes: Like other garter snakes, this species is beneficial for natural pest control, consuming rodents, insects, and amphibians that might otherwise damage gardens or landscaping.

3. Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus)

The Western Ribbon Snake stands out among Arkansas’s striped snakes due to its sleek appearance and close association with aquatic environments. This semi-aquatic species displays more vibrant coloration than most garter snakes and has adapted specifically for life near water.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 20-30 inches commonly
• Three bright stripes (usually yellow or orange)
• Slender, streamlined body
• Long tail (approximately 1/3 of total length)
• Glossy scales that appear almost metallic

Habitat and Behavior: Western Ribbon Snakes rarely venture far from water sources, preferring stream banks, pond edges, and wetland margins. They’re excellent swimmers and often dive underwater when threatened, making them distinct from terrestrial garter snakes.

Homeowner Notes: If you have a pond, creek, or water feature on your property, you’re more likely to encounter this species. They’re harmless but may be more difficult to observe due to their aquatic escape behavior.

4. Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus)

The Eastern Ribbon Snake shares many characteristics with its western cousin but has subtle differences that help distinguish the two species. This graceful serpent represents one of the more specialized striped snakes in Arkansas.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 18-26 inches typically
• Three distinct stripes (usually bright yellow)
• White or cream-colored marking in front of each eye
• Very slender build
• Glossy, almost iridescent scales

Habitat and Behavior: Eastern Ribbon Snakes inhabit areas near permanent water sources, including swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They’re more secretive than garter snakes and often remain hidden in dense vegetation near water.

Homeowner Notes: This species is less commonly encountered around typical residential areas unless your property borders natural wetlands or established water features.

5. Rough Earth Snake (Haldea striatula)

The Rough Earth Snake might surprise homeowners with its subtle striping pattern, as it’s often overlooked due to its small size and secretive nature. This diminutive species displays a faint but noticeable dorsal stripe that sets it apart from other small brown snakes.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 7-10 inches (one of Arkansas’s smallest snakes)
• Faint light-colored dorsal stripe on brown background
• Keeled (ridged) scales giving a rough texture
• Pointed snout
• Plain belly coloration

Habitat and Behavior: Rough Earth Snakes prefer loose, sandy soils where they can easily burrow. They’re often found under logs, rocks, or debris piles in residential areas, making them one of the more common “surprise” discoveries for homeowners doing yard work.

Homeowner Notes: Despite their small size, these snakes are beneficial predators of earthworms and small invertebrates. Their secretive nature means most homeowners never realize they’re sharing their property with this species.

Pro Tip: Always check under garden debris carefully before moving it, as Rough Earth Snakes often shelter in compost piles and mulch.

6. Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)

Dekay’s Brownsnake, while primarily brown as its name suggests, frequently displays a distinctive light central stripe that qualifies it as one of Arkansas’s striped species. This small, harmless snake is commonly found in urban and suburban environments.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 9-15 inches typically
• Light tan or yellowish central dorsal stripe
• Brown background coloration with subtle patterns
• Two rows of small dark spots along the back
• Keeled scales
• Light-colored belly

Habitat and Behavior: Dekay’s Brownsnakes thrive in human-modified environments, often living under sidewalks, in garden beds, or around building foundations. They’re most active during twilight hours and prefer areas with abundant ground cover.

Homeowner Notes: This species specializes in eating slugs, snails, and earthworms, making it particularly valuable for natural garden pest control. They’re completely harmless and rarely bite even when handled.

7. Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)

The Red-bellied Snake occasionally displays a central dorsal stripe, though this feature isn’t present in all individuals. When the stripe is visible, it helps distinguish this species from other small snakes in Arkansas.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 8-12 inches commonly
• Central dorsal stripe (when present) is cream or yellow
• Distinctive bright red or orange belly
• Three light spots on the back of the neck
• Smooth scales
• Brown to gray background coloration

Habitat and Behavior: Red-bellied Snakes prefer wooded areas with abundant leaf litter but also adapt to suburban environments with adequate cover. They’re secretive and often remain hidden under logs, rocks, or garden debris.

Homeowner Notes: The bright red belly is the most reliable identification feature, as the dorsal stripe varies in prominence. Like other small Arkansas snakes, they’re beneficial for controlling garden pests.

8. Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)

While adult Eastern Hognose Snakes typically don’t display prominent striping, juveniles often exhibit distinct longitudinal stripes that can cause confusion with other species. Understanding this age-related variation is important for accurate identification.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 20-36 inches (adults)
• Juvenile striping pattern (stripes fade with age)
• Distinctive upturned, pig-like snout
• Highly variable coloration and patterns
• Dramatic defensive behaviors (playing dead)

Habitat and Behavior: Eastern Hognose Snakes prefer sandy soils where they can easily burrow, but they adapt to various habitats including residential areas. They’re known for their theatrical defensive displays, including hissing, spreading their neck, and playing dead.

Homeowner Notes: Despite their dramatic defensive behavior, Hognose Snakes are completely harmless. The juvenile striping pattern is temporary, with adults developing blotched or solid coloration patterns.

Common Mistake: Many people mistake juvenile Hognose Snakes for venomous species due to their defensive posturing, but the upturned snout is a dead giveaway for safe identification.

9. Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)

The Coachwhip occasionally displays faint longitudinal striping, particularly in younger individuals or certain color phases. This large, fast-moving snake represents one of Arkansas’s most impressive serpents.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 36-72 inches (Arkansas’s longest snake)
• Faint longitudinal striping in some individuals
• Coloration varies from light tan to dark brown
• Very large eyes
• Smooth scales
• Extremely fast movement

Habitat and Behavior: Coachwhips prefer open habitats including prairies, woodland edges, and agricultural areas. They’re active hunters that pursue prey at high speeds, making them less likely to remain hidden when encountered.

Homeowner Notes: While impressive in size, Coachwhips are non-venomous and beneficial for controlling rodent populations. Their speed and size often startle homeowners, but they pose no danger to humans.

10. Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum)

The Lined Snake represents one of Arkansas’s rarest striped species, with distinct stripe patterns that make identification straightforward when encountered. However, their secretive nature and limited distribution mean few homeowners ever see this species.

Key Identification Features:

• Length: 8-15 inches typically
• Three distinct stripes (similar to garter snakes)
• Two rows of dark spots between the stripes
• Light-colored belly with central row of dark spots
• Keeled scales

Habitat and Behavior: Lined Snakes prefer areas with loose soil and abundant ground cover, often living under rocks, logs, or in abandoned buildings. They’re more common in northern Arkansas but maintain small populations throughout the state.

Homeowner Notes: Due to their rarity and secretive nature, encountering a Lined Snake is unusual. They feed primarily on earthworms and are completely harmless if discovered.

Identification Tips and Safety Guidelines

Quick Reference Table

Safety Considerations

Key Takeaway: All striped snakes in Arkansas are non-venomous, but proper identification skills help ensure confident, safe encounters.

When encountering any striped snake on your property:

1. Observe from a distance – Most snakes will retreat if given space
2. Never attempt to handle wild snakes, even harmless species
3. Look for key features like body size, stripe coloration, and habitat context
4. Consider the location – aquatic vs. terrestrial preferences help narrow identification

Creating Snake-Friendly (or Snake-Deterrent) Landscapes

For homeowners who appreciate wildlife:

• Maintain diverse plantings that support small prey animals
• Provide water features for ribbon snakes and other aquatic species
• Leave natural debris piles for shelter
• Avoid pesticide use that eliminates food sources

For homeowners preferring fewer snake encounters:

• Keep grass short and eliminate brush piles
• Remove standing water sources
• Seal gaps under buildings and decks
• Maintain clean, debris-free landscapes

Seasonal Activity Patterns

Understanding when you’re most likely to encounter striped snakes in Arkansas helps with both identification and management:

Spring (March-May): Peak activity as snakes emerge from winter dormancy. Mating behaviors may make snakes more visible.

Summer (June-August): Early morning and evening activity. Species near water sources remain active throughout the day.

Fall (September-November): Increased movement as snakes seek winter shelter. Good time for observation before dormancy.

Winter (December-February): Most species become dormant, though warm days may bring temporary activity.

Conclusion

Recognizing these 10 striped snakes in Arkansas enhances your understanding of local wildlife while building confidence for safe outdoor activities. From the familiar Common Garter Snake in your garden to the secretive Lined Snake under old boards, each species plays an important role in Arkansas’s ecosystem. Remember that all striped snakes in Arkansas are non-venomous and beneficial for natural pest control.

Whether you’re a homeowner seeking to identify a backyard visitor or someone interested in Arkansas’s diverse snake population, these identification features and behavioral insights provide the foundation for accurate species recognition. Understanding Arkansas’s snake diversity helps create informed decisions about wildlife management and conservation on your property.

By learning to identify these common striped species, you’ll develop the skills to distinguish between similar-looking snakes and appreciate the remarkable diversity of serpents that call Arkansas home.