How to Identify Garter Snakes

Garter snakes (genus Thamnophis) are a very adaptable group of snakes, found in backyards and multiple grass habitats around the United States.

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All are characterized as small (two to three feet), thin and colorfully striped.

Florida has blue garter snakes, Texas has Checkered Garter Snakes, the West Coast has different versions of red garter snakes.

Apart from the species that have unusual field markings, multiple, similar looking, species can be found in many areas of the United States, sometimes making for identification problems.

Fortunately, garter snakes do not have the best eyesight in the snake world. They generally feel vibrations in the ground as their first indication of a human presence.

Garter snakes are also considered harmless, and only in extreme cases do they strike at humans. If you tread lightly and move slowly, you can literally get within inches of one for a picture.

When you get the picture, notice the color of the stripes running down its back, the color of the belly, and the facial markings. Garter snake facial markings are often excellent field identification clues.

The above picture shows the Red-sided Garter snake. The head is a reddish color with the exception of the light color end of the lower jaw.

The Valley Garter in the picture on the left shows a light cream or white color to the lower jaw, folowed sometimes with a reddish spot on the neck. Without seeing the lower portion of the jaw, the Vallery garter might be mistaken for other dark headed garter snakes.

Usually there are no more than a handful of garter species in any one area. With your own pictures, the use of a local reptile guide that includes pictures will help you fine tune your identification skills.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels