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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Yellowstone National ParkStunning views of Minerva Terrace are located at Mammoth Hot Springs.
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Yellowstone National Park
Wandering Garter Snake
Scientific name: Thamnophis elegans vagrans

Identification
  • Most common reptile in the park.
  • 6 to 30 inches in length.
  • Brown, brownish green, or gray with three light stripes: one running the length of the back and a stripe on each side.
Habitat
  • Usually found near water in all areas of the park.
  • Eats small rodents, fish, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, earthworms, slugs, snails, and leeches.
Behavior
  • May discharge musk from glands at the base of the tale when threatened.
  • Gives birth to as many as 20 live young in late summer or fall.
Fishing Bridge.  

Did You Know?
You cannot fish from Fishing Bridge. Until 1973 this was a very popular fishing location since the bridge crossed the Yellowstone River above a cutthroat trout spawning area. It is now a popular place to observe fish.

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Last Updated: June 11, 2009 at 10:26 EST