Wandering Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans vagrans

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This big dusky garter snake attains a length of 3 to 3 ½’. It is a common subspecies that has an immense range over a multitude of habitats. The 3 stripes are dull, the darker body areas look dusty, and what little pattern there is most visible anteriorly. Belly grayish white with variable black markings to almost entirely black. Ovoviviparous. Neonates are more brightly patterned than the adults. Scales keeled.

 

Unique Features:

The fact that this very variable garter snake lacks bright striping will help identify it.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Brushlands, grasslands, open pine woodlands, and all combinations of these. Often common near watercourses. Prey, worms and slugs as well as amphibians, and nestling mammals and birds.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, KS, NE, NV, UT, WY, NM, OK, OR, WA, SD