Their small size and adaptability mean they can easily live in different environments and habitats. In the wild it is common to find garter snakes near ponds, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Garter Snakes were recently reclassified under the Natricidae family with other species such as the North American water snake.
The Thamnophis genus used to be considered an independent subfamily of the much larger Colubridae family. Valley garter – lives in northern California and up the Pacific coast to British Columbia.Red-Sided – inhabits the Dakotas, Nebraska, Missouri and central Canada.Eastern – found east of the Mississippi River and in Ontario.Some of the most common subspecies include: They were first documented in 1758 and are divided into 13 subspecies. However, many people mean actually mean the common garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis) pictured above.Ĭommon garter snakes live in a wide range of habitats across North America. The garter snake is a general term used for any snake in the genus Thamnophis. Let us dive into 21 different types of garter snakes so you can learn how to identify them if you find one in your yard. Garters are easily identified by their small slender bodies and distinctive dorsal stripe. This leads to many people calling them garden snakes. It is common to find this species near gardens, ponds, forests and wetlands. 9 Friendly Pet Snakes For Beginners (and Choosing the Right One)
