- Size:
Length in Kansas up to 44 1/2 inches.
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Range:
Found throughout Kansas east of the High Plains; ranges west into the High Plains
only along the aquatic corridors of river valleys. |
- Description:
Harmless. Keeled scales. Three yellow body stripes, those on each side of body
situated on second and third scale rows (counting from belly up); pattern of black spots
on a red background between the stripes on the back. Belly is white, greenish or gray,
with a row of small dark spots along edges. Young look like miniature adults. Note: Snakes
of this species from extreme southwestern Kansas (Comanche to Seward counties) may lack
red color on the back between the dorsal and lateral stripes.
- Habits:
Found in a wide variety of habitats, including marshes and wet meadows, margins of
ponds, woodland and woodland edge, floodplains and cultivated fields; prefers areas with
moderately moist vegetation. Active from March to November. Home range of 22–35
acres; estimated population density of three of these snakes per acre in northeast Kansas.
Young born in late summer or fall; litters are large, varying from 4-85. Feeds chiefly on
frogs and earthworms; occasionally eats toads, small mice and other small snakes.
Common Garter Snake consuming an unlucky Plains Leopard Frog
Photo © by Suzanne L. Collins
Used by permission
Other Kansas snakes
with lengthwise stripes
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for information on precautions against being bitten by snakes
and what to do if you have been bitten by one.
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