Eastern Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis

The eastern garter snake is a common terrestrial snake. It is known for the three white or yellow stripes that run down the length of its back.

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An eastern garter snake with three distinct white stripes. It is coiled on mossy ground.
The eastern garter snake is known for the three white or yellow stripes that run down the length of its back. (Photo courtesy of squamatologist/Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED, cropped)

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Appearance

Adult eastern garter snakes grow to 18 to 26 inches long with keeled (ridged) scales and variation in their coloration and patterns. Their backs are dark brown, green or olive-colored with a distinct yellow or white stripe running down the center. This center stripe is often paralleled by two less distinct white, yellow, brown, green or bluish stripes, although occasionally individuals appear all black with no stripes.

The area between the stripes is often a checkerboard pattern of black or green spots. Some individuals have red or orange on the skin between their dorsal scales. The snake's unmarked belly is cream-colored to yellowish green.

Feeding

These snakes feed during the day on earthworms, millipedes, spiders, insects, salamanders, small fish, frogs and toads.

Predators

Predators include hawks, skunks, raccoons, larger snakes and bullfrogs.

Reproduction and life cycle

Eastern garter snakes mate in spring after emerging from winter hibernation. A single female may be courted by several males simultaneously, forming a "breeding ball." Unlike most snakes, garter snakes do not lay eggs. Females give birth to a litter of 10 to 40 live young in summer. Young are five to nine inches long at birth. Garter snakes typically live 3 to 4 years.

Did you know?

  • Garter snakes are non-venomous, but can be fairly aggressive and will readily strike and bite, sometimes causing an allergic reaction in humans.
  • If handled or attacked, they will release a foul-smelling musk.
  • In Feburary 2016, Virginia named the eastern garter snake its state snake, beating out the timber rattlesnake for the honor.

Sources and additional information

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