Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: T. sirtalis
Widely distributed throughout North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the United States to parts of Mexico.
Look up Garter Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: T. sirtalis
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though local populations face threats from habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Physical Description
Exhibits longitudinal light-colored stripes running down a dark brown or black body, with keeled scales and a distinct head slightly wider than the neck.
Size & Dimensions
Specimens typically range from 46 to 130 cm in total length, with adult females generally growing larger than males.
Habitat
Found in diverse environments including wetlands, woodlands, fields, and suburban areas, typically near permanent or temporary water sources.
Diet & Feeding
An active forager feeding primarily on amphibians, fish, earthworms, and small mammals, capturing prey with rapid lunges.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous species that gives birth to live young, typically producing litters of 10 to 40 offspring during the late summer months.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though local populations face threats from habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Serves an important ecological role in controlling amphibian and rodent populations and is a frequent subject in regional folklore.