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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Table Rocks

Reptiles and Amphibians of the Table Rocks

Valley Garter Snake

Valley Garter Snake
Valley Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Dr. Robin Lawson
© 1999 California Academy of Sciences

I can have many different stripe patterns. The stripes on my back and side stripes are usually well defined.

I live near water, in wet meadows, or damp woodlands. I am active during the day and most frequently seen amid moist vegetation where I search for frogs, toads, salamanders, and earthworms. Occasionally I take small fish and mice. During cold periods, I hibernate in great numbers in community dens. I can be ill-tempered when first captured, I will bite or expel musk, but I tame quickly and soon become docile.

While most snakes lay eggs, I give birth to live young.

Caution: If handled, bites and expels musk and feces.

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