Northwestern Garter Snake

Thamnophis ordinoides

The northwestern garter snake, Thamnophis ordinoides, is a slender, variable garter snake from the Pacific Northwest coast and nearby inland valleys. It may show a yellow, orange, blue, or muted stripe pattern, and some individuals are quite dark. Compared with larger aquatic garter snakes, this species is often found in grassy openings, gardens, woodland edges, and damp ground where it hunts slugs, earthworms, small amphibians, and other soft prey.

For keepers, northwestern garter snakes are a specialist choice rather than a casual starter animal. Captive-bred animals are preferable where legal, since wild collection can harm local populations and often brings feeding or parasite problems. Housing usually needs secure lids, hiding cover, a moisture gradient, modest basking warmth, and food matched to the snake's natural diet. Garden encounters are best handled by leaving the snake in place or moving it only a short distance out of immediate danger.