Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
A highly variable and widespread western garter snake found from mountain meadows to coastal lowlands.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-1.1 m (1.6-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Western North America, from British Columbia to Baja California and east to the Rockies
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Overview
The western terrestrial garter snake is one of the most widely distributed and ecologically flexible garter snakes in North America, occupying habitats from sea level to high mountain elevations.
Its appearance varies enormously across its huge range, with some populations boldly striped and others heavily blotched or nearly patternless.
How to identify it
- Background color ranges from olive, gray, and brown to nearly black
- A pale dorsal stripe is usually present but can be faint or absent in some populations
- Two lateral stripes may be present, reduced, or replaced by checkered blotching
- Keeled scales give a rough, dull texture
- Head is only slightly wider than the neck
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from other garter snakes largely by range and subtle scale-count differences
Habitat & range
Occupies an extraordinarily wide range of habitats including grasslands, forests, mountain meadows, and near streams, ponds, and lakes from sea level to over 3,000 m elevation. Found throughout much of the western United States and into western Canada and northern Mexico.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active by day, foraging both on land and in water for fish, amphibians, earthworms, and small vertebrates. Generally calm but may flatten its body or release musk when threatened. Bears live young in summer, with litter sizes varying by region and female size.
Frequently asked questions
Is the western terrestrial garter snake dangerous?
It produces a mild saliva toxin used in subduing prey but poses no significant threat to people.
Why does its pattern vary so much?
Across its vast range it has adapted differently in isolated populations, producing striped, blotched, and nearly patternless forms.
Where does it typically live?
It occupies diverse habitats from lowland streams to high mountain meadows across the western United States and southwestern Canada.
What does it eat?
It feeds on fish, amphibians, earthworms, and small vertebrates found near water and in moist habitats.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Western Terrestrial Garter Snake.
