Garter Snake

Garter Snakes are long (1.5-4.5 ft), slender snakes and usually have 3 stripes on their back. There are, however, many regional variations in appearance. For example, Terrestrial Garter Snakes (found in southern British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan and south to New Mexico) have a pale yellow stripe down their back and along each side.

Garter Snakes are highly adaptable and can be found throughout North America although they prefer moist, grassy places so they're less common in the dry southwestern states.

Many Garter Snakes hibernate in large communal sites called hibernacula, lying together in tight coils to stay warm. They give birth to live young from June to September.

Garter Snakes can be found on rocks or paths, basking in the sun, on warm days. They are often found near water where they can find frogs and toads to eat.

Did you know? Some Garter Snakes are strong swimmers and may even hunt in water.

See Also: Bullsnake, Hognose Snake, North American Racer, Rattlesnake, Rubber Boa

Easy - numerous and usually easy to spot in the habitats listed at the appropriate time of year.

Grasslands are large open areas covered with grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs. This habitat includes prairies and tundra.

Urban areas have a large population within a defined area. This includes villages, towns, and cities.

Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by water all or most of the time and support a variety of aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.