The smooth greensnake is not common in Utah, but is found in the Wasatch mountain areas in wet meadows (such as the wetlands near Swaner EcoCenter).
Smooth greensnakes reach a length of 10-20 inches. They have a bright green back and a light yellow or cream colored belly. They usually eat insects and spiders but sometimes catch amphibians, snails or slugs. They always swallow their prey whole.
The smooth greensnakes mate in the spring or early summer and lay 3-11 eggs. Like other snakes in this area, these snakes hibernate in the winter, often in large groups.
Cool Fact:
The smooth greensnake is rare in Utah but can be found on the Swaner Preserve on moist ground along the creek where the thick green grass acts as a perfect camouflage.
