Common Garter Snake (most likely Eastern Garter Snake subspecies)
Thamnophis sirtalis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: Thamnophis sirtalis
Widely distributed across North America. Found from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast and from Subarctic regions of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. This specific specimen reflects the Eastern subspecies common in the Central and Eastern US.
Look up Common Garter Snake (most likely Eastern Garter Snake subspecies) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Mildly venomous (technically has Modified Durvernoy's glands), but traditionally considered non-venomous to humans. No specialized fangs (aglyphous).
Danger Level
Harmless/Low Risk. Bites may cause minor local swelling or itching in rare cases of prolonged contact, but they are not medically significant for humans.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: Thamnophis sirtalis
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Highly adaptable and abundant throughout its range.
Physical Description
Characterized by three longitudinal stripes (yellow or tan) on a dark background. Presence of a checkered pattern of black spots between the stripes. Head is wider than the neck with large eyes and round pupils. Scales are strongly keeled (ridged).
Size & Dimensions
Specimen in image appears to be an adult around 20-24 inches. Species range is typically 18 to 26 inches, with record lengths reaching up to 4 feet.
Habitat
Generalist species found in forests, grasslands, and suburban gardens; strongly associated with water sources like ponds or marshes. Microhabitat includes wood piles, mulch, and low vegetation. Elevation range: sea level to high mountains.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and active. Generally shy and quick to flee. When cornered, they may flatten their heads, strike defensively, or release a foul-smelling musk from their cloaca.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers that consume earthworms, slugs, frogs, toads, salamanders, and occasionally small fish or rodents. They swallow prey alive without constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litter sizes are large, typically ranging from 10 to 40 neonates, born in late summer.
Venom Profile
Low-potency neurotoxic proteins in saliva; generally harmless to humans, only effective on small prey like amphibians and earthworms.
Look-alikes
Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis saurita) which are more slender with stripes on scale rows 3 and 4; Lined Snakes (Tropidoclonion lineatum) which have a double row of black spots on the belly.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Highly adaptable and abundant throughout its range.
Cultural Significance
One of the most frequently encountered snakes in North American backyards. They play a vital ecological role in controlling populations of slugs and garden pests.
Notable Features
Highly cold-tolerant; they are often the first snakes to emerge in spring and last to hibernate. Some populations possess immunity to the toxins found in rough-skinned newts.