Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis • Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Colubridae; Subfamily: Natricinae; Genus: Thamnophis; Species: Thamnophis sirtalis
Widely distributed across North America, from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast, and from subarctic regions of Canada south through most of the United States to northern Mexico.
Look up Common Garter Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Colubridae; Subfamily: Natricinae; Genus: Thamnophis; Species: Thamnophis sirtalis
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally abundant, though locally threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and road mortality.
Physical Description
Greenish-brown to black ground color with three distinct longitudinal yellow or cream stripes (one dorsal, two lateral). A checkered pattern of black spots is visible between stripes. The head is slightly wider than the neck, eyes are large with round pupils, and scales are heavily keeled.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be an adult approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) long. The species typically ranges from 18 to 26 inches, with a record maximum of roughly 49 inches.
Habitat
Extremely versatile, found in forests, fields, prairies, and suburban gardens. They prefer areas near water sources like ponds, lakes, streams, and marshes. They range from sea level up to high mountain elevations.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivores that eat earthworms, amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders), fish, and occasionally small rodents or birds. They use active foraging and swallow prey alive without constriction.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Mating occurs in early spring, often in large communal dens called hibernacula. Females produce 10 to 40 young per litter in late summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally abundant, though locally threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Often the first snake encountered by children and gardeners. They are ecologically beneficial as pest control for garden slugs and insects. In some cultures, they are seen as symbols of spring.
Notable Features
Remarkable for their resistance to compounds found in Newts (Taricha species). They are also known for forming massive 'mating balls' after emerging from hibernation.