Common Gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Description
The Common Gartersnake is common throughout much of the United States but shockingly elusive at Snake Road. If you find one there, you'll be in rare company!
Adults vary considerably in appearance, but most have a dark brown, olive, or black body with three light-colored stripes running the length of the body. Between the stripes are rows of dark spots that often create a checkered appearance.
The scales are keeled, giving the snake a rougher texture than species with smooth scales such as Racers or Kingsnakes. The head is only slightly wider than the neck, and the eyes are relatively large with round pupils.
Coloration is highly variable, and no two individuals seem exactly alike.
Behavior
Common Gartersnakes are active, alert snakes that rely on quick movements to escape danger. When approached, they often dash into nearby vegetation, rock crevices, or shallow water. If captured, they may flatten their bodies, strike repeatedly, release a strong-smelling musk, and sometimes regurgitate a recent meal in an attempt to discourage predators.
Unlike many snakes, Common Gartersnakes often tolerate cooler temperatures and may be seen basking on chilly spring mornings when other species remain hidden.
They feed on an exceptionally wide variety of prey, including earthworms, frogs, toads, salamanders, fish, slugs, and small rodents.
Habitat
Common Gartersnakes occupy nearly every available habitat. They can be found in wetlands, forest edges, rocky hillsides, open fields, roadside ditches, and even around parking areas.
Where You're Most Likely to See One
Common Gartersnakes can theoretically be encountered almost anywhere along Snake Road during both the spring and fall migrations. They are most likely to be found near roadside vegetation, shallow ditches, and the transition zones between forest and open habitat, and because they remain active during cooler weather, they may be found earlier in the day than other species.
Commonly Confused With
Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximusThese two species are closely related. Western Ribbon Snakes are much more slender, have exceptionally long tails, cleaner and more sharply defined stripes, and noticeably larger eyes. Common Gartersnakes are heavier-bodied, have a checkered pattern between the stripes, and generally appear stockier.
- Heavier, stockier body
- Checkered pattern between the stripes
- Comparatively shorter tail
- Stripes may appear less sharply defined
- Broad and highly variable diet
- Much more slender body
- Exceptionally long tail
- Cleaner, more sharply defined stripes
- Noticeably larger eyes
- Usually appears more delicate and elongated
