![]() ![]() Their base color is normally a shade of tan, olive, brown or black. This snake can be found anywhere east of the Mississippi River to Vermont and New Hampshire and south of Ontario to the Florida Keys.Įastern Garters come in different patterns and colors depending on which region they come from. The Eastern Garter Snake is one of the most commonly encountered snakes in the Eastern United States. Eastern Garter Snake The Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis is a very common subspecies of the common variety. Markings: Stripes, blotches or checkerboard.Color: Tan to black with lighter patterns.Range: East and West of the Mississippi River. ![]() Red-Sided subspecies have bright red or orange side markings. Each subspecies has a unique color and pattern. There are actually 13 subspecies of Common Garter Snakes. They normally grow to around two feet in length, but some very large individuals, reaching four feet. Some species live in many parts of Canada too.Ĭommon species have an olive, tan, gray or black base color with at least one cream longitudinal stripe. They have a large range across every state east of the Mississippi River and many states west of the Mississippi. The Common Garter Snake is one of the most widespread wild snakes in North America. They have one bright stripe down their spine and a lighter cream stripe on either side of their body. But, this does not apply to all species, as you will soon learn how to identify them!Ĭommon Garter Snakes are normally bluish-gray or black. They then have a series of lighter stripes running down the length of their body. Many species are brown or black in base color. There are a few key characteristics that can be used to identify many types of Garter Snakes.Įvery garter snake has keeled scales and small heads with large eyes. Garter Snakes vary widely in appearance, color and pattern. Their small size means they can easily fit under rocks and evade being held. Keep in mind this species can move very quickly when they want to. ![]() You should not attempt to handle a wild individual unless they are relaxed. Wild garter snakes will likely be shy and defensive when first discovered. As they are mildly venomous a bite can cause itching and in some cases minor swelling. They will only bite if there is nowhere for them to flee to. It is rare for a Garter Snake to bite humans. They are actually a very popular pet among reptile keepers. It is designed to help them subdue and capture prey – not humans. Garter Snakes are rear-fanged and mildly venomous, but this venom is extremely mild. Garter snakes are a specific species of snake in the genus Thamnophis that are commonly found in gardens. This can include the Garter species but also includes Copperheads and Ribbon snakes. Garden Snakes is a general term used for any species that is commonly found in yards. Ribbon, Brown and Garter Snakes) being grouped together and called garden snakes. This has led to many families of snakes (e.g. The difference between a garden snake and the garter species is misunderstood by many people. What Is The Difference Between A Garden Snake And A Garter Snake? Their tendency to form masses of hundreds or thousands of snakes while mating is referred to as a breeding ball. They will later emerge in large numbers in the spring to breed. They are a solitary species that only aggregate over the winter to share communal dens as they brumate. Their small size and adaptability mean they can easily live in different environments and habitats. In the wild it is common to find garter snakes near ponds, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Garter Snakes were recently reclassified under the Natricidae family with other species such as the North American water snake. The Thamnophis genus used to be considered an independent subfamily of the much larger Colubridae family. Valley garter – lives in northern California and up the Pacific coast to British Columbia.Red-Sided – inhabits the Dakotas, Nebraska, Missouri and central Canada.Eastern – found east of the Mississippi River and in Ontario.Some of the most common subspecies include: They were first documented in 1758 and are divided into 13 subspecies. However, many people mean actually mean the common garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis) pictured above.Ĭommon garter snakes live in a wide range of habitats across North America. The garter snake is a general term used for any snake in the genus Thamnophis. Summary Garter Snakes Wild Common Garter Snake.What Is The Difference Between A Garden Snake And A Garter Snake?. ![]()
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