Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: T. sirtalis
North America, widely distributed from southern Canada down through the United States to northern Mexico, inhabiting diverse biomes.
Look up Common 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, with stable populations across most of its native range despite habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
The specimen exhibits a dark brown to olive dorsal coloration with heavily keeled scales creating a textured appearance, and a somewhat lighter brownish head with dark eyes.
Size & Dimensions
The pictured specimen appears to be a subadult or small adult, roughly 45 to 60 cm in length. Adults typically range from 46 to 130 cm.
Habitat
Found in a wide range of habitats including forests, fields, marshes, and suburban areas, typically near water sources like ponds, lakes, and streams.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists primarily of amphibians, earthworms, and small fish, utilizing an active foraging hunting strategy.
Reproduction
Viviparous species, giving birth to live young. Mating typically occurs in the spring shortly after emerging from hibernation, with litters ranging from 10 to 40 or more offspring.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with other snake species sharing overlapping ranges, such as ribbon snakes (Thamnophis saurita) and various water snakes (Nerodia species). Distinguished by specific scale counts and stripe configurations.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with stable populations across most of its native range despite habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important role in local ecosystems as both predator and prey, and is frequently used in educational settings due to its adaptability and gentle demeanor.
Notable Features
Known for communal hibernation behavior where hundreds of individuals gather in underground dens known as hibernacula to survive cold winters.