- Scientific Name
- Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
- Range
- All of Virginia
- Also Called
- Eastern Gartersnake, Grass Snake
- Venomous
- No
- Features
- Yellow, Green, or Brown with a Yellow or White Stripe
- Prey
- Amphibians, Slugs, Worms
- Litter Size
- 9 - 57 Live Young per Birth
- Life Span
- 10 Years
- Length
- 18 - 26 Inches
Quick Links for Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Garter Snake Description
Eastern Garter Snake Appearance
Size
This snake is normally between 18 – 26 inches long, the longest recorded here in Virginia is 43.3 inches long. The largest recorded was 48.7 inches long.
Juveniles tend to be more than 6 – 8 inches long.
This snake is also Virginia’s State Snake.
Eastern Garter Snake Behavior
These snakes are active during the day, and can be seen on the ground more than on trees.
These snakes are solitary creatures and only show up with other snakes during hibernation or when mating. When that happens hundred can appear in the den, or when mating into a ball.
They are rather docile, and they rarely bite even when handled. But rarely their bite can cause allergic reactions, so be careful when handling them.
It is illegal in Virginia to keep Wild Snakes as pets
Range and Habitat of The Eastern Garter Snake
Range
These snakes can be found everywhere here in Virginia.
In the rest of the United States, they can be found everywhere east of the Mississippi, and appears as far south as Miami, Florida and as far north as Canada.
Habitat
They can live pretty much anywhere in Virginia. But their preferred habitat are meadows, marshes, forests, and hills. They are often found near water such as lakes, streams, pools, and suburban areas with lots of cover.
They are present in every county here in Virginia
Diet
They like to eat Amphibians such as frogs and toads, but they also like to eat slugs, worms, small fish, small mammals, and eggs. These snakes tend to eat anything they can overpower.
Reproduction and Young
Reproduction
Mating for these snakes occurs in the spring immediately after hibernation. These snakes will mate in large groups with everyone forming a large “mating ball”. Afterwards the female will give birth in 2-3 months to 9 to 57 live young.
Eggs and Young
Juvenile garter snakes will have the same color and patterns as adults.