Reptile · GBIF taxon 2457522
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalisAlso known as Eastern Garter Snake, Red-sided Garter Snake, Garden Snake, San Francisco Garter Snake
Common garter snakes are highly adaptable reptiles recognizable by their distinct longitudinal stripes running down a dark body. Active during the day, these agile hunters frequently bask in sunny openings before foraging along damp meadow edges and wetland margins. In colder regions, hundreds of individuals gather in subterranean communal dens to hibernate together through the winter.
DiurnalStripedAdaptable
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Frogs
- Salamanders
Predators
- Raptors
- Herons
- Large fish
ThreatsHabitat loss, road traffic mortality, and human persecution
HabitatsWetlands, fields, forests, suburban gardens, and parks
Life span2 to 10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- GenusThamnophis
- SpeciesThamnophis sirtalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite defensively or release musk if handled; best observed from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Give the snake space to move freely without feeling cornered or trapped.
- Yard Care: Leave brush piles or rock features to provide natural cover and foraging grounds.
Prey Cephas / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative MH Herpetology / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
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