![]() Subspecies įormerly, two subspecies of the plains garter snake were widely recognized, but most authorities have since dropped recognition of them. It can be found at elevations from 400 to 7,500 feet, but prefers to stay under 6,000 feet. In Canada, the species is also found in Manitoba. In the United States, it is also found in Iowa, eastern Wyoming, northern Kentucky, eastern Colorado, Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, Illinois, northwestern Indiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska and the northern half of Missouri. The snake ranges across a broad area of North America from as far north as central Alberta to as far south as Northern Texas and New Mexico. Its habitat range overlaps with that of the common garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis) in many areas, and it is thought the two species may hybridize. Populations in urban and suburban areas have been greatly reduced due to building activities and pesticide use. In built-up areas of the Chicago area, it has been observed in abandoned buildings, trash heaps, and vacant lots. The plains garter snake is commonly found in meadows and prairies adjacent to water sources, such as marshes, streams, and ponds. It has also been observed eating small mammals and birds, such as bank swallows and eastern meadowlarks. The snake's typical diet consists of earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians, including the larvae of salamanders. Courtship usually occurs near the communal hibernation site, and polygynous mating systems have been observed. Mating normally takes place in April or May and birth takes place between August and October. It is most active between April and late October depending on location. Behavior ĭescribed as "one of the most cold-tolerant snakes", on warmer winter days, it often comes out of hibernation to bask in the sun. ![]() The snake is described as medium-sized and is on average around 3 ft (0.91 m). Most have distinctive light yellow spots on the top of the head. Its belly is gray-green with small dark spots along the edges. Lateral stripes are located on the third and fourth scale rows and are normally a greenish-yellow color. ![]() The stripe normally starts at the head and continues all the way to the tail tip. The plains garter snake has either an orange or yellow stripe down its back and distinctive black bars on its lip. This species is mildly venomous, although the venom is not toxic to humans. Although the IUCN lists the species as "Least Concern", some states have given it their own special status. The snake is commonly found living near water sources such as streams and ponds, but can also be found in urban areas and vacant lots. ![]() It has a distinctive orange or yellow stripe from its head to tail, and the rest of its body is mainly a gray-green color. The plains garter snake ( Thamnophis radix) is a species of garter snake native to most of the central United States as far north as Canada and as far south as Texas. ![]()
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