Species Reptiles & AmphibiansNorthwestern Garter Snake

Northwestern Garter Snake

Thamnophis ordinoides

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides)

The Northwestern Garter Snake is the most terrestrial garter snake on the Pacific Coast. It is highly variable in color — stripes may be red, yellow, or blue on a black, brown, or gray background.

Habitat
Coastal meadows, forest edges, and open shrublands in the Pacific Northwest
Diet
Slugs, earthworms, and small amphibians
How common
Common

Best time to see a Northwestern Garter Snake

The best time to see a Northwestern Garter Snake is April–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 19,700 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Northwestern Garter Snake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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