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Northwestern Garter Snake

Thamnophis ordinoides

The Northwestern Garter Snake is a small, colorful snake that loves to slither around in the grass. It has stripes that can be green, blue, or yellow, making it look very pretty in nature!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Northwestern Garter Snake is a small, slender reptile, typically dark brown or black with a faint or absent dorsal stripe. Its sides often feature distinctive red or orange blotches, making it visually unique among garter snakes. The belly is usually a pale yellow or grey.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusThamnophis
Northwestern Garter Snake
striped trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Northwestern Garter Snake

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Some of these snakes look like fire with bright reddish spots on their sides!

These snakes love to hide under rocks or logs to stay safe and warm.

They can have up to 20 live baby snakes, called "snakelets," at once!

They often hunt slugs and worms, making them garden helpers!

Special abilities

Ability

Camouflage Master

Northwestern Garter Snake has highly variable skin patterns that help them blend seamlessly into various natural backgrounds, avoiding predators.

Ability

Live Birth

Northwestern Garter Snake can give birth to live young, not eggs, which helps their babies survive better in cooler environments.

Ability

Stinky Defense

Northwestern Garter Snake can release a strong, unpleasant-smelling musk when threatened, deterring most potential predators.

Measurements & details

Length
30-70 cm
Weight
0.05-0.15 kg
Lifespan
5-8 years
Top Speed
8 km/h
Swim Speed
3 km/h

Diet & Feeding

A tiny hunter, mainly eating small amphibians, worms, and slugs.

Primary Foods

  • slugs
  • earthworms
  • small frogs
  • salamanders
  • newts

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a snake, it's best to watch from a distance and not touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Northwestern Garter Snake?

30-70 cm

How much does Northwestern Garter Snake weigh?

0.05-0.15 kg

How long does Northwestern Garter Snake live?

5-8 years

How fast can Northwestern Garter Snake move?

8 km/h

What does Northwestern Garter Snake eat?

A tiny hunter, mainly eating small amphibians, worms, and slugs.

How fast can Northwestern Garter Snake swim?

3 km/h

Where is Northwestern Garter Snake usually found?

Grasslands

How does Northwestern Garter Snake hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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