Identification- 10-22" (25.5-56 cm) Easily identified as it is the only all green snake in New York.  Hatchlings are dark green to blue.  The belly is white or pale yellow.  Smooth scales, divided anal plate.

Range- Found locally throughout the state.

Habitat- Found in shrubby and grassy areas bordering forest, meadows, grasslands.

Reproduction- Mates late spring/early summer.  Lays 6-11 leathery elliptical eggs mid to late summer.  Young hatch 2-3 weeks later.  Females may nest communally, sharing prime lay sites.

General Characteristics-
   Most common in mountainous areas, but also found at lower elevations.  This is the "green grass snake" to the locals.  Smooth Green Snakes are diurnal, hunting insects and other invertebrate prey.  The color provides camoflage in the grassy and shrubby habitats it prefers.  Although they can climb they do so less often than their close cousin the Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus.)  This snake is typically gentle and seldom attempts to bite, although they do have a peculiar defense display.  When they feel overly threatened the snake will pull the front third of their body off the ground, open their mouth to display the lining, and slowly sway back and forth.  Even then they seldom strike, preferring to flee instead.