Fauna
Reptile · GBIF taxon 6161461

Maritime Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus

Maritime garter snakes are subtle, grayish or brownish reptiles known for having faint or incomplete dorsal stripes compared to other garter snake subspecies. They inhabit damp forests, meadows, stream margins, and coastal zones across eastern Canada and northern New England. Active during the day, these adaptable hunters rely on cryptic coloration as they stalk earthworms, amphibians, and small fish along freshwater edges.

DiurnalHarmlessReptile
Maritime Garter Snake reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Annie Evankow, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Earthworms
  • American Toads
  • Small Fish
Predators
  • Red-tailed Hawks
  • Great Blue Herons
  • Raccoons
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, road mortality, environmental pollution
HabitatsDamp woodlands, meadows, stream banks, marshes
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyColubridae
  2. SpeciesThamnophis sirtalis pallidulus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans, though it may musk or nip if caught; observe quietly from a short distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look along sunny trail edges, logs, and stone piles near wetlands during cool mornings.
  • Handling: Avoid handling wild individuals, as they readily discharge a foul musk when threatened.
  • Road Awareness: Watch for slow-moving snakes warming themselves on paved surfaces on autumn afternoons.
Related species
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