Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Thamnophis, Species: T. sirtalis
North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the United States to parts of northeastern Mexico, inhabiting diverse biomes from sub-arctic forests to semi-arid regions.
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 widespread populations facing localized threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and domestic predators.
Physical Description
The visible portion shows keeled dorsal scales with a grayish or dark coloration transitioning to a lighter ventral scale pattern with noticeable central keels and a blunt tail tip.
Size & Dimensions
Adult length typically ranges from 46 to 130 cm, with this particular specimen appearing to be a partial section or an adult of moderate build.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, marshes, agricultural fields, and suburban backwaters, typically near water sources like ponds, streams, or ditches.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists primarily of amphibians, earthworms, fish, and occasionally small mammals or birds, utilizing active foraging strategies.
Reproduction
Viviparous species, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs, with litters often ranging from 10 to 40 offspring born in late summer.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with other natricine snakes and ribbon snakes (Thamnophis saurita), distinguished primarily by dorsal stripe placement, head markings, and scale counts.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, with widespread populations facing localized threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and domestic predators.
Cultural Significance
Commonly encountered in suburban settings, serving as a frequent subject in environmental education and playing an important role in controlling amphibian and insect populations.
Notable Features
Features heavily keeled scales that provide a dull, matte appearance and rough texture, along with a robust and adaptable constitution across diverse ecosystems.