Common Garter Snake
(Thamnophis sirtalis)

Photos by Mike Marchand

Garter snakes can vary greatly in appearance but they generally have a dark body with yellow stripes or blotches.

The lower jaw, chin, and belly of a garter snake are light yellow.

This young garter snake has some white and blue flecks.

The cloudy eye of this garter snake indicates that it will soon be shedding the outer layer of its skin.

This garter snake is missing the end of its tail, perhaps a result of a predator.

NH Conservation Status: Not listed

State Rank Status: Widespread and secure

Distribution: Throughout NH

Description: A small striped snake measuring 18-26 inches. Has variable color patterns but typically has 2-3 yellow, brownish, or greenish stripes running vertically down the top and sides of the snake. May also have variable black spots between the stripes.

Commonly Confused Species: Eastern ribbon snake; Brown snake

Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, hillsides, wetlands, backyards, and even urban areas. Will use a variety of cover objects for shelter including rocks, logs, stumps and other debris such as trash piles and sheet metal.

Life History: Breeding may occur in spring or fall. Ten to 40 live young are born from July to September. Hibernation may be solitary or communal in rock crevices, holes, stumps, or foundations.

Conservation Threats: Species is secure

Distribution map: Click here for a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH

Garter snakes vary in coloration and pattern, sometimes lacking obvious stripes. Photo by Keegan Uhl