Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Ground color of this 30 to 36” garter snake is dark slate gray to jet black. The 3 stripes are usually well defined. Dorsal stripe is orangish to white, lateral stripes are yellow. Belly is light with dark smudges. Red spots are often visible immediately above each lateral line. Ovoviviparous. Neonates are more brightly patterned than the adults. Scales keeled. Found in or near water.

Unique Features:

Dorsal stripe is orangish to white, lateral stripes are yellow. Belly is light with dark smudges. Red spots are often visible immediately above each lateral line.

Habitat and Diet:

More terrestrial than many other garter snake species but still is often found near a water source. Prey, worms and slugs as well as amphibians, and fish. Occasionally eats nestling rodents or birds.

Geographic Range:

CA, NV, OR