Species Reptiles & AmphibiansCommon Garter Snake

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

The Common Garter Snake is the most widespread reptile in North America, found from coast to coast. It is highly cold-tolerant and one of the last snakes to den in fall. Females give birth to live young.

Habitat
Meadows, wetlands, forests, gardens, and suburban areas
Diet
Earthworms, frogs, fish, and small rodents
How common
Common

Best time to see a Common Garter Snake

The best time to see a Common Garter Snake is April–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 137,580 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Often confused with

Western Ribbonsnake - see how to tell them apart

Recent Common Garter Snake sightings near you

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

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