Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: T. sirtalis
North America, ranging from Nova Scotia and southern Canada down through most of the United States to the Gulf 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
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, facing minor localized threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Displays a checkered dorsal pattern interspersed with lighter longitudinal stripes along the body. The head is distinct with vertical dark bars along the labial scales (lip scales). Scales are keeled, giving a textured appearance.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated specimen length is around 45 to 60 cm. Typical adult size ranges from 46 to 130 cm in total length.
Habitat
Extremely adaptable, found near water sources such as wetlands, marshes, streams, and ditches, but also in fields, forests, and suburban yards.
Diet & Feeding
Active forager feeding on a wide variety of prey including amphibians, earthworms, small fish, and occasionally mice or birds.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young), producing litters ranging from 10 to 40 or more offspring in the late summer.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis saurita) which have thinner bodies and a distinct white spot just in front of the eye, and various other natricine species.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, facing minor localized threats from habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Commonly encountered in suburban areas, serving an important role in controlling amphibian and invertebrate populations within local ecosystems.
Notable Features
Known for emitting a foul-smelling musk from cloacal glands when handled and demonstrating communal brumation in large numbers during winter.