Types of Garter Snakes

Those little snakes you find slithering around your backyard are most likely garter snakes, one of the most common snakes on the American continents. Skin tone varies depending on what region the snake dwells in. Garter snakes are generally small, docile snakes that can be kept as pets and breed easily in captivity.

  1. Common Garter Snake

    • The common garter snake is found in Canada from coast to coast and is therefore the most widely distributed snake in North American. It has yellow-and-white-striped sides, though other scale color can vary. Variations include black, green and gray. Common garter snakes average between 24 and 31 inches in length. The snake's scale pattern helps it easily blend into its surroundings for hunting and protection purposes. They are often found in areas close to water, such as marshes, irrigation areas, ditches, farms, parks and woodland areas.

    Short-Headed Garter Snake

    • The short-headed garter snake is one of the smallest garter snake species. It is found in southwestern New York and western Pennsylvania in open areas such as meadows, pastures and old fields. It is about 22 inches long. This grayish-scaled snake has a blunt snout, and its head and neck are not distinct from the rest of its body. Its diet consists entirely of earthworms.

    San Francisco Garter Snake

    • The San Francisco garter snake's origins are in San Mateo County in California. Habitat consists of moist woodland ponds and damp meadows or areas with tall grass. This garter snake features yellowish and greenish stripes bordered by black scales. A larger garter snake species, it can grow up to 51 inches long. Food includes large frogs, large and small toads, insects, earthworms and small fish. They retreat underground or to the water when disturbed or to escape predators.

    Checkered Garter Snake

    • The checkered garter snake is often kept as a pet and grows to about 28 inches in length, though some can grow up to 42 inches. They are usually green in color with a black checkered pattern not unlike a checkerboard. Checkered garters are found in the southern U.S. states and feed on a variety of organisms including red worms, earthworms, insects, lance fish, eels and guppies. These snakes enjoy dark places where they can hide, so provide flower pots and plastic containers for them if keeping the snakes as pets.