Thamnophis ordinoides

Northwestern Garter Snake

Identification/Variations: Usually easy enough to identify as a garter snake as this snake usually has three visible stripes. However, they may have extremely faint stripes (especially near the Pacific coast). A highly variable animal that may be brown or black above with white, yellow, orange, or red stripes.

Range/Habitat: Truly a species of the Pacific Northwest. Northwestern Garter Snakes are found west of the Cascade Mountains from northwest California to British Columbia. This garter snake is not as found of sources of water as its relatives, but may still may be found near ponds, creeks, and streams. However this snake is also found in grassy fields and forest clearings far from water.

Notes: Identification of this animal can be quite difficult at times. In areas where it overlaps with the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, the two are not always easy to tell apart. This snake is also quite common and is one of the most frequently seen snakes in cities.

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