The northern ringneck snake, or Diadophis punctatus edwardsi, features gray scales on its dorsal area and reddish-orange scales on its belly. These snakes may be identified by the orange or yellow rings encircling their necks. As adults, northern ringneck snakes reach lengths of 15 inches, which is larger than their subspecies counterpart, the southern ringneck snake. Northern ringneck snakes primarily spend their time underneath rocks and logs. These snakes have venom in their saliva, but not enough to cause any harm to humans. The venom in the northern ringneck snake's saliva is used to subdue prey; the northern ringneck snake's diet consists of invertebrates, amphibians and small lizards.
The largest of the two gray snakes in Virginia is the timber rattlesnake, or Crotalus horridus. This snake grows up to 4.5 feet in length when fully mature. Timber rattlesnakes are venomous and have enough venom in their fangs to cause harm to humans; if a timber rattlesnake bite is not medically treated, the results can be fatal. However, timber rattlesnakes only bite when they feel threatened; when threatened, the snake will rattle its tail to give off a warning. Timber rattlesnakes have two dominant colors on their scales, which are black crossbands on a light gray-colored base; some snakes have a dark brown-colored base as opposed to a gray-colored base.
In Virginia, northern ringneck snakes are found throughout the Commonwealth State. These non-venomous snakes live in a variety of habitats, including hardwood forests and grasslands. Northern ringnecks are also found in semi-aquatic areas such as the edges of wetland areas and riverbeds. Timber rattlesnakes prefer the mountainous Appalachian region of western Virginia. These venomous reptiles are found in rocky settings and cliffs at elevations of up to 6,000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachians. Male timber rattlesnakes are found in dense forest areas, since they prefer cooler temperatures, while females are found in the open on rocky ledges.
At the time of publication, the northern ringneck snake and timber rattlesnake are considered abundant and no threatened or endangered status has been given to them. However, the Virginia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Action Plan advise not to needlessly kill the state's wildlife, including these two snakes; both snakes are important to Virginia's ecology and agricultural industry. Northern ringnecks and timbers are largely responsible for preventing the overpopulation of rodents and other pests that damage crops.