Reptiles and Amphibians of the Table Rocks

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Dr. Robin Lawson
© 1999 California Academy of Sciences

I can have many different colors and markings. I almost always have a side stripe and back stripe that are well defined.

I am sometimes seen basking in the open during morning hours. I live in moist areas near water, damp meadows, or in open grassland to forest.

I eat slugs, worms, tadpoles, frogs, fish, mice, and small birds. I feed in water and on land. When disturbed, I take to water whenever possible.

Like other garter snakes, I give birth to live young.

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