Where do They Live?
The Common Gartersnake is the most widely distributed gartersnake, and the northernmost snake in the Americas, the Common Gartersnake occurs from Nova Scotia to British Columbia in Canada. They are also found throughout much of the northwestern, eastern, and central United States, with scattered Midwest and northern Mexico populations. They inhabit both aquatic and terestrial habitats western populations being more aquatic than those in the east.
What do They Eat?
The Common Gartersnake's prey varies; from frogs,tadpoles,earthworms,and fish to rodents or birds on occasion.
How do you Identify them?
the coloration and pattern ranges from olive-green with faint yellow-green stripes and black lateral spotting to black with three bright yellow stripes and small red markings on the lfanks. The spectacular western forms are dominated by red, from scattered spots between the yellow stripes.
What is There Defence Mechanism?
The Common Gartersnake is nonvenomous; but when they feel threatened they tipically attempt to flee but if they are cornered or handled the defend themselves by releasing a foul-smelling, musky secretion from their cloaca, biting, and thrashing. They may also coil, flatten their bodies to appear larger, strike with their mouths, or vibrate their tails.