Home - Reptiles and Amphibians - Snakes

Garter Snake at Kuse Nature Preserve

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

The subspecies of this snake in our part of the state is known as the Eastern Garter Snake. People sometimes call it a "grass snake." It is often quite variable in color but has well defined black and yellow stripes. Many have a yellowish stripe running down the center of their backs.

It is a cold-blooded reptile and may be seen lying in the sun to warm its body. Its forked tongue is not a stinger. It is a sensory organ for smell, taste, and sound. The snake is shy and non-poisonous.

The young are born alive. As they grow in size they shed their skin and can become twenty to thirty inches or more in length.

They eat earthworms, amphibians and rodents and help control insect, mouse, and rat populations and thereby keep a healthy balance in nature.

Description	Relationships	Activities