The Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) is a species of Garter snake native to most of the Central United States stretching as far north as Canada and as far south as Texas. It has a distinctive orange or yellow stripe that goes from its head to tail, the rest of its body is mainly a gray-green color. The snake is commonly found living near water sources such as streams and ponds, but can also be found in urban areas and vacant lots. Although the IUCN lists the species as "Least Concern", some states have given it their own special status.
Ten Facts about Plains Garter Snake
- The snake is described as medium sized and is on average around 3 feet (0.91 m).
- The plains garter snake can be found is commonly found in meadows and prairies adjacent to water sources such as marshes, streams and ponds.
- The snake ranges across a broad area of North America from as far north as southern Alberta to as far south as Northern Texas and New Mexico.
- It can be found at elevations from 400 to 7,500 feet but prefer to stay under 6,000 feet.
- They belong to the Colubridae, Colubrid Snakes family.
- It is most active between April and late October dependent on location.
- Described as "one of the most cold-tolerant snakes".
- Mating normally takes place in April or May and birth takes place between August and October.
- The snake's typical diet consists of earthworms, slugs and small amphibians, including the larvae of salamanders.
- They are vulnerable to hawks and owls, larger mammalian predators (foxes, raccoons, skunks, cats), and (inevitably) automobiles and unappreciative humans.
