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Common Garter Snake

The vibrant Thamnophis sirtalis is a master of adaptability, spiraled with striking stripes and thriving in diverse habitats. This agile predator plays a crucial role in controlling amphibian and fish populations, highlighting its eco-importance in North America's rich landscapes.

4-5 years
Lifespan
Length: 46 - 107 cm
Size
Yellow, Red, Green, Orange
Color
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Stable
Population Trend
Distribution Range of the Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis, commonly known as the common garter snake, is native to North America. It is widely distributed across a range that includes much of southern Canada, the continental United States, and parts of northern Mexico.
Common Garter Snake's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The common garter snake is highly adaptable and occupies diverse habitats, ranging from forests, woodlands, meadows, marshes, and gardens to edge habitats near water bodies such as ponds, streams, and wetlands. They prefer environments with adequate cover such as leaf litter, logs, rocks, or dense vegetation.
Ecological Niche
Thamnophis sirtalis plays an important ecological role as both predator and prey. They feed on a variety of animals, including amphibians, earthworms, fish, and small mammals, and are themselves preyed upon by birds, larger snakes, and mammals. The common garter snake's adaptability to various habitats ensures its presence across a wide geographical range, often acting as a bioindicator for ecological health in its native environments.