Reptile · GBIF taxon 2457647
Aquatic Garter Snake
Thamnophis atratusAlso known as Santa Cruz Garter Snake, Oregon Garter Snake
Aquatic garter snakes are highly skilled swimmers frequently found foraging along the edges of clear streams, ponds, and coastal marshes. They stalk underwater prey by probing under rocks and submerged vegetation, relying heavily on sight and chemical cues. When threatened, these aquatic specialists dive quickly to the bottom or slip beneath overhanging bank cover to escape.
Semi-aquaticNon-venomousDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Tadpoles
- Small fish
- Salamanders
Predators
- Herons
- Hawks
- Raccoons
ThreatsHabitat loss, stream degradation, invasive bullfrogs, pollution
HabitatsStreams, ponds, coastal creeks, marshes, wet meadows
Life span8–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesThamnophis atratus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite defensively and release a pungent musk if handled; observe quietly from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Watch Stream Edges: Scan sunlit rocks and submerged roots along quiet pools on warm mornings.
- Avoid Handling: These snakes produce a strong defensive musk and may bite if cornered.
- Minimize Disturbance: Approach stream banks slowly to prevent them from diving into muddy water.
Predator Carl D. Howe / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Prey The High Fin Sperm Whale / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative
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