I was at work last night, March 21, 2009, when I found this snake. I think it is an Eastern Ribbon Snake, Thamnophis sauritus. The Eastern Ribbon Snake likes to be around water sources and is a little lighter in color than the Western Ribbon Snake. The snake I found was laying on the sidewalk near a creek. I was surprised to see a snake out so soon in the year, it was only about 50 degrees outside. He barely moved the entire time I looked at him and while I took the picture. When I walked back by the same spot later in the night he was gone.

Haley Brown

Memphis, TN