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Valley Garter Snake
Valley Garter Snake

Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Scientific name: Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi

Identification
  • Subspecies of the common garter snake.
  • Medium sized snake reaching total length of up to 34 inches.
  • Nearly black background color with three bright longitudinal stripes running the length of the body; underside is pale yellow or bluish gray.
  • Most distinguishing characteristics of this subspecies in this region are the irregular red spots along the sides.
Habitat
  • Thought to be common in the past, now in decline for no apparent reason.
  • Closely associated with permanent surface water.
  • In Yellowstone, observed only in the Falls River drainage in the Bechler region and there miles south of the south entrance along the snake river.
Behavior
  • Generally active during the day.
  • In the Yellowstone area, it eats mostly toads, chorus frogs, fish remains, and earthworms; Also can eat relatively poisonous species.
  • Predators include fish, birds, and carnivorous mammals.

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Last Updated: June 11, 2009 at 10:22 MST