Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 
(Thamnophis elegans)
  Nonpoisonous

Description: Variable; brown, brownish-green, or gray. Belly is light mixed with gray or black pigment. Dull stripes (sometimes difficult to see); yellow stripe with jagged edges along the center of the back. Stripes along sides. Row of spots between the stripes.

Habitat: Typically near streams, ponds or lakes. Occasionally seen wandering far from water.

Size: 46-30 cm (18-30 in)

Diet: Small fish, frogs, leeches and earthworms..

Natural History: As in all gartersnakes, the wandering gartersnake bears live young; about 8-10 in a litter.

Similar species:

  1. Plains Garter Snake and Common Grater Snake have bold stripes running down middle of back. Stripe is not dull and jagged along edges as in our Western Terrestrial Garter Snake.