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Toggle navigation. The western garter snake has also been known to eat small birds and carrion.

Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students.ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. The western garter snake mates in the spring at or near hibernating sites, although fall mating has also been reported.
Sometimes the western garter snake is mistaken for the gopher snake or other garter snakes. commonly is called the “Wandering” Garter Snake. I acquired a pair of yearling wandering garters in 2000; in 2002 they had a litter of seven babies. Melanistic wandering garters have been produced. The subspecies of Western Terrestrial Garter Snake found in B.C. This species is the only garter snake species that constricts it's prey. They have their fair share of dark spots as well, no bigger than the size of the eraser found on a pencil. The snake is diurnal. The snake struggles, spiral and thrash around when handle in a bid to escape. The Coastal Garter snake is a terrestrial snake native to North America. The species is solitary when they are active, but hibernate communally during winter. Home; Hunting. It is an immensely variable species, and even the most experienced herpetologists have trouble when it comes to identification. Some varieties have red or black spots between the dorsal stripe and the side stripes. T. ordinoides is also the only Thamnophis species in Western WA that, at times, shows a red dorsal stripe. Life-cycle. Description & Size. It is an immensely variable species, and even the most experienced herpetologists have trouble when it comes to identification. Big Game Seasons and Rules; Moose, Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat The Western Garter Snake A standard way to tell the difference between garter snake species is to look at scale patterns. Garters - normals as well as morphs - are inquisitive, active, alert, docile and colorful.

Read More. While this species is extremely variable, the Coastal Garter snakes are known for their distinctive yellow, light orange, or white dorsal stripes. Some varieties have red or black spots between the dorsal stripe and the side stripes. Like all garter snakes, the western garter snake produces live young, rather than laying eggs, in litters of 1-24. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake. The Coastal Garter snake is a terrestrial snake native to North America.