Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
common garter snake
References
Images
A common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) with yellow stripes and red spots along its dark body rests on rocky ground. A common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, is seen in green grass with old skin peeling from its head as it sheds.
Britannica AI Icon

common garter snake

Also known as: Thamnophis sirtalis
Written by
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of  Encyclopædia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them.
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last updated

Quick Summary

A common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) with yellow stripes and red spots along its dark body rests on rocky ground.
Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is probably North America's most widely distributed reptile.

The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a nonvenomous snake native to North America, known for its striped pattern. It is one of the most widespread reptiles in North America and is generally harmless, though it may strike defensively and secrete a foul odor when handled.1

Garter snakes are small to moderate in size, typically under 100 cm (39 inches) long. They primarily feed on insects, earthworms, and amphibians. Unlike many snakes, they do not lay eggs; they give birth to live young in late summer. While most garter snakes are considered of least concern by conservation organizations, some species are threatened or endangered. It's important to note that while some snakes are venomous, garter snakes are not.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. garter snake
  2. snake - Snakes and humans

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.