Garter Snake (genus: Thamnophis)

Range: Garter snakes are the single most widely distributed species of reptile in North America, and are common in American gardens; thus its layman reference as "garden snake" or "gardner snake" . The common Garter Snake is one of the northernmost species of snake in the world and the only species of snake found in Alaska; so far ranging due to its inparticular diet and ability to adapt to different climatically and geographically defined areas with varying proximity to water and rivers. Western North American Garter snakes are more water loving than in the East. Populations are in decline due to water pollution, collection as pets, and introduction of predators such as bullfrogs and bass.

Description: Garter snakes are usually under 24 inches long, but can be larger. Coloration varies widely across varieties and geographic regions, but there is little variation within the pattern of scales among the different varieties of garter snakes. Patterns consists of one or three red, yellow, or white longitudinal stripes on the back with blotchy spots between.

Diet: Garter snakes are carnivorous. They swallow food whole, including almost any creature that they can manage: amphibians, birds, earthworms, fish, insects, leeches, lizards, rodents, and slugs may be part of their diet. Eating mostly live animals, Garter snakes often adapt to eat whatever they can find, including eggs.

Behavior: All Garter snakes are very social when not in hibernation. They communicate with complex pheromonal scented trails. They are harmless. When frightened, a garter snake will (typically) flee or coil. When captured, they discharge musky-scented secretions from the anal gland in order to escape (often into the water from land predators).
Garter snakes are cold-blooded and bask in the sun during morning hours in order to keep their body temperature warm . They will migrate large distances to hibernate in large, communal sites.

Natural Predators: Hawks, crows, raccoons, crayfish and other snakes. Shrews and frogs will eat young Garters.