Western Terrestrial Garter

Thamnophis elegans

The western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a variable live-bearing colubrid found from southwestern Canada through much of the western United States and into northern Baja California. Despite the name, it is not limited to dry ground; many populations live around ponds, streams, marsh edges, mountain meadows, and damp grassland, while others use shrubland or open woodland. Color and pattern vary by subspecies and locality, but stripes, checkering, olive, brown, black, or reddish tones are common. Diet may include earthworms, slugs, fish, amphibians, small mammals, and carrion, with some populations adapted to toxic newts.

In captivity this garter snake suits keepers who can provide a secure, escape-proof enclosure and a more active snake than many sedentary species. A water dish large enough for soaking, hides, a temperature gradient, and clean substrate are basic needs, while food choices must avoid an unbalanced long-term diet of thiaminase-rich fish. Captive-bred animals usually settle and feed better than wild-caught snakes, and collection is regulated in many states and provinces. Females give birth to live young, so breeding projects require planning for multiple small neonates that may need finely cut worms, fish, or pinky mice.