Black Snake with White Stripes – What Could it Be?
Black and brown are probably the most common colors that a snake could have, especially here in the United States. Thankfully, adding the secondary feature of “white stripes” really narrows things down. In order to keep things neat and categorized, we have broken down each species of black snake with white stripes into a few key elements:
AppearanceRangeHabitatDietDanger level
Using this guide, you can easily identify the black snake with white stripes you found in your yard or while on a hike. Let’s get started.
Eastern Garter Snake
The eastern garter snakes (and all other species of garter snake) are some of the most common snakes you can find in the US. They come in quite a few colorations, but black is one of the most common ones. These common snakes are often seen in gardens, which is why people incorrectly refer to them as “garden snakes.” Appearance: Black, grey, or brown bodies. Three longitudinal stripes run from head to tail that can be yellow or white. Occasionally come in a more checkered pattern, generally found on lighter-colored snakes. Can grow to 5 feet in length. Range: Most of the eastern United States, primarily in the south. Habitat: Meadows, marches, woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. Diet: Worms, slugs, frogs, toads, and salamanders. Danger Level: Low. Nonvenomous, but will strike if overhandled.
Yellow Rat Snake
The yellow rat snake is probably the second most likely snake you will see in your yard. This long snake can grow over 6 feet long, and is easily confused with the eastern garter snake. Rat snakes are slightly more distributed than garter snakes, however. Appearance: Black bodies with faint white or yellow colorations between the scales. Different species of rat snakes can have four black stripes running down their backs, especially the yellow rat snake. Lighter-colored belly, usually cream or white. Range: Most of the southeast, northeast, and into the midwest. Habitat: Almost all habitats. Hills, forests, abandoned buildings, barns, suburbs, fields. Diet: Mice, rats, squirrels, birds, eggs. Danger Level: Low. Nonvenomous, but will release a musky odor when threatened.
California Kingsnake
The California kingsnake is one of the prettiest snakes on our list and is, as the name shows, found in California. Kingsnakes are common across much of the United States and they come in a large variety of colors. Additionally, California kingsnakes are often kept as pets because of their famed mild nature. Appearance: Vast variety of solid colors with stripes. Often white with strong black stripes or black with strong white stripes. Can grow up to 4 feet in length. Range: Southwestern states and into Baja Mexico, California coast up through Oregon. Habitat: Adaptable. Often found in woodlands, forests, grasslands, fields, and deserts. Diet: Other snakes (including venomous ones), rodents, lizards, frogs, birds. Danger Level: Low. Nonvenomous and known for their mild disposition. Often kept as pets.
Common Kingsnake
There are a few species of kingsnake, and the common kingsnake is often known as the eastern kingsnake. Similar to the California kingsnake, these amazing animals are called the “king” because of their diets that mainly consist of other snakes. Although they come in different colors and patterns, eastern kingsnakes are often black and white. Appearance: Black bodies with strong white stripes. Can grow up to 4 feet in length. Range: Eastern United States Habitat: Anywhere from the ocean to the mountains and anywhere in-between. Diet: Other snakes (including venomous ones), rodents, lizards, frogs, birds. Danger Level: Low. Nonvenomous and known for their mild disposition. Often kept as pets.
Southern Black Racer
The southern black racer is named after its ability to slither incredibly fast. These common snakes are long and thin and can be found in most places across the united states. An interesting fact is that they really don’t like being handled, even after spending months in captivity. When handled, they will strike and release a foul-smelling musk. Appearance: Long, thin bodies with jet black backs. Grey bellies with white chins. Can grow up to 5 feet in length. Range: Eastern United States from the Florida Keys up through Maine. Other species of racer are found in different parts of the US. Habitat: Forests, woodlands, meadows, prairies, sandhills, and deserts. Diet: Lizards, insects, mammals, eggs, small snakes, eggs. Danger Level: Low. Nonvenomous, but won’t tolerate being handled. Can release foul-smelling odor.
Queen Snake
The queen snake is a semi-aquatic snake species that goes by a great many names (banded water snake, brown queen snake, diamond-back water snake, leather snake, moon snake, just to name a few). Although it can look extremely similar to a garter snake, a quick look at the belly is a great way to tell the difference between the two. Queen snakes have stripes on their belly while garter snakes do not. Appearance: Black, olive, grey, or dark brown bodies. Peach, yellow, or stained white stripes running down its back, with similar stripes running down its belly. Can grow up to 2-3 feet in length. Range: Piedmont and mountainous regions of the eastern US and into the midwest from the Great Lakes to Louisiana. Habitat: Aquatic snakes that can be found near streams, ponds, and more. Diet: Crayfish, fish, small aquatic animals. Danger Level: Low. Nonvenemous, but will release foul-smelling odor if mishandled.
