PLAINS GARTER SNAKE

Photo © by Suzanne L. Collins
Used by permission

• Size:   Length in Kansas up to 41 1/8 inches.

• Description:   Harmless. Keeled scales; single stripe down middle of back and one on each side of body situated on third and fourth scale rows (counting from belly up); dark vertical bars on upper lips; alternating rows of black spots between stripes on body. Stripe running down middle of back may be bright yellow or orange; stripes on sides are normally yellow. Belly is white, grayish or greenish, with a row of black spots down each side. In central Kansas, may exhibit a bright red color between the three body stripes. Young look like miniature adults.
• Habits:   Prefers open grassy prairies, particularly along edges of streams, marshes and lakes. Normally active from March to November; usually active during the day. Litters range in number from 5-60, born during late July, August or September. Feeds on earthworms, toads, frogs, salamanders, fishes and small rodents.

  Other Kansas snakes with lengthwise stripes

  Brown Snake	Common Garter Snake
  Graham's Crayfish Snake	Lined Snake
  Western Ribbon Snake	Western Worm Snake

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  and what to do if you have been bitten by one

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