Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Quick answer
The common garter snake is a small, slender snake found across much of North America, recognized by the light stripes running along its dark body. It is harmless to humans, feeding on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and other small animals. Highly adaptable and cold-tolerant, garter snakes are among the most widespread snakes on the continent and typically live around 4 to 10 years in the wild.
Garter Snake facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Thamnophis sirtalis |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Meadows, marshes, woodlands, and gardens |
| Lifespan | 4–10 years in the wild |
| Length | 0.5–1.3 m (1.5–4.3 ft) |
| Weight | About 150 g (5 oz) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | Thamnophis |
Where it lives
Meadows, marshes, and gardens across North America, one of the most widespread snakes on the continent.
Behavior and adaptability
Garter snakes are active by day and thrive in a wide range of habitats, from wetlands to suburban gardens. They are cold-tolerant and range farther north than almost any other American snake, surviving harsh winters by gathering in large communal dens called hibernacula. When threatened they may release a foul-smelling musk rather than biting.
Diet and feeding
These snakes are carnivores that eat earthworms, amphibians, fish, slugs, and small rodents. Some populations can eat toxic newts and toads that would poison other predators, thanks to a built-up resistance to the toxins. Their saliva is mildly toxic to small prey but harmless to humans.
Habitat and range
The common garter snake ranges across most of North America, from Canada to the Gulf coast, in meadows, marshes, woodlands, farmland, and gardens. They are usually found near water or damp ground where their prey is abundant. Their adaptability makes them one of the most frequently encountered snakes on the continent.
Reproduction
Garter snakes give birth to live young rather than laying eggs, with a female producing a litter of a dozen or more babies in late summer. In spring, large numbers may emerge from communal dens and form writhing breeding aggregations. The young are independent from birth and receive no parental care.
Frequently asked questions about the Garter Snake
Are garter snakes venomous?
Garter snakes are essentially harmless to humans. They produce a mild toxin in their saliva that helps subdue small prey, but it poses no real danger to people, and bites are rare.
What do garter snakes eat?
Garter snakes are carnivores that eat earthworms, frogs, toads, fish, slugs, and small rodents. Some can even eat toxic amphibians that would poison other animals.
How long do garter snakes live?
In the wild, common garter snakes usually live around 4 to 10 years, though they can live longer in captivity with steady food and protection from predators.
Are garter snakes good for the garden?
Yes. Garter snakes help control slugs, insects, and rodents, making them welcome visitors to many gardens. They are gentle and pose no threat to people or pets.
Where do garter snakes live?
Garter snakes range across most of North America in meadows, marshes, woodlands, and gardens, usually near water. They are among the most widespread snakes on the continent.
How do garter snakes survive winter?
They gather in large numbers in underground dens called hibernacula to wait out the cold. This communal denning helps them survive winters farther north than most other snakes.
