Reptile · GBIF taxon 2457636
Northwestern Garter Snake
Thamnophis ordinoidesThe Northwestern Garter Snake is a small slender Pacific Northwest snake with extremely variable coloring. Many have a yellow, orange, or red dorsal stripe and pale side stripes on a dark body, but stripe brightness and background pattern differ widely.
Small Garter SnakeVariable StripesSlug Specialist
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Slugs
- Earthworms
- Snails
Predators
- Hawks
- Great Blue Herons
- Raccoons
ThreatsHabitat conversion, road mortality, mowing, pesticides, free-ranging cats, drought, and deliberate killing
HabitatsMoist meadow, forest edge, open woodland, oak savanna, garden, wetland margin, and coastal grassland
Life spanLikely five to ten years, although survival in the wild varies widely
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesThamnophis ordinoides
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- A captured snake may bite and release strong musk; never pick it up or block its retreat.
- Why it is dangerous
- When seized or cornered, a Northwestern Garter Snake may bite repeatedly and smear foul defensive musk onto skin or clothing.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- A small slender garter snake with highly variable dorsal and side stripes, often yellow, orange, or red.
- What to do
- Do not touch, capture, or corner it; keep pets back and wash any bite thoroughly with soap and water.
Responsible observation
- Pattern: Expect wide variation and use body size, stripe placement, and local range together.
- Movement: Stop and let the snake cross into cover without surrounding it.
- Handling: Do not grab the tail, restrain the head, or allow pets to investigate.
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