Thamnophis sirtalis

This is the largest of the three garter snakes in our state, reaching a maximum length of 52 inches, although smaller individuals are more common. The ubiquitous Garter snake can be found in every habitat type that exists in our state, including forested areas, mountain meadows, arid canyons, coastal grasslands and vacant lots near human habitation. They are usually most common near bodies of water, like ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. They are quite at home in the water and when there, feed on aquatic animals like frogs, tadpoles and small fish. That is not all, however: they will capture, subdue and eat whatever animal is immediately available that will fit in their small mouths. This includes small mammals like shrews and mice, lizards, salamanders, toads, earthworms, slugs and even snails.

This commonly seen serpent comes in a wide array of different colors but is still the same species. They are often seen with red, yellow, orange or turquoise stripes. Because of this, they can be easily confused with the two other local species of Garter snakes.