Ring-necked snakes live in many kinds of habitats. The Northern and western subspecies live in open woodlands near rocky hills, or in wetter environments with many places to hide. Southern subspecies mostly live in riparian and wet environments, especially in more arid, or dry, habitats. The snakes like it when their habitat is a little wet. Ring-necked snakes do not live higher than above sea level. In northern areas, ring-necked snakes may live in dens. Usually, more than one snake will live in one den. Ring-necked snakes often hide under pieces of wood. When it is hot, ring-necked snakes may make holes and burrows to hide in. They may also hide under rocks or other objects. Ring-necked snakes usually live in flatland forests.