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- Garter snakes. Garter snakes, commonly called “Garden snakes” by some, are incredibly common snakes across most of the United States. There are several species of garter snakes in the US, all of which are harmless.
- Rat snakes. Rat snakes, like the Eastern Rat snake, are formidable predators of rodents, as the name would suggest. These non-venomous constricting snakes can grow to impressive lengths of up to six feet, aiding in rodent control around garden areas.
- Ringneck snakes. Ringneck snakes are small, beautifully marked snakes known for their distinctive ring of color around their necks and bright red or yellow bellies.
- Black racers. The Black racers are smooth and slender black snakes that are found throughout much of the United States outside of the Southwest. They are completely harmless.
Discover our new Almanac Garden Planner features for 2024. It’s easy, fun, and free to try! Garter snakes are a gardener’s friend! Harmless to humans, they eat the pests that wreak havoc in your garden. Learn more about the shy but helpful gardening helper who just wants to live peacefully in harmony with you—and eat your slugs!
What Does a Garden Snake Look Like? Garden snakes, nicknamed garter snakes, come in many varieties, various colors, and have different markings, depending on your area of the country. These snakes are usually brown or black but may be a greenish color. Most have a checkerboard pattern near the stripes. Other colors of these snakes vary.
- Garter Snakes
- Types of Garter Snakes
- Summary
The garter snake is a general term used for any snake in the genus Thamnophis. However, many people mean actually mean the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) pictured above. Common garter snakes live in a wide range of habitats across North America. They were first documented in 1758 and are divided into 13 subspecies. Some of the most commo...
1. Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake is one of the most widespread wild snakes in North America. They have a large range across every state east of the Mississippi River and many states west of the Mississippi. Some species live in many parts of Canada too. Common species have an olive, tan, gray or black base colorwith at least one cream longitudinal stripe. They normally grow to around two feet in length, but some very large individuals, reaching four feet. There are actually 13 subspecies of Common Gar...
2. Eastern Garter Snake
The Eastern Garter Snake is one of the most commonly encountered snakes in the Eastern United States. This snake can be found anywhere east of the Mississippi River to Vermont and New Hampshire and south of Ontario to the Florida Keys. Eastern Garters come in different patterns and colors depending on which region they come from. Their base color is normally a shade of tan, olive, brown or black.The pattern varies from stripes, blotches or spots that can be cream, yellow, gold or even blue. M...
3. Albino Garter Snake
The Albino Garter Snake is a genetic color morphthat occasionally appears in wild species. It is very rare to see this snakein a yard. Many Albinos are part of a reptile collection that have been bred from a Checkered and Plains Garter Snake. The difference in this species is their color. Their pattern and size do not differ from wild-types. Normal Garter Snakes are typically olive, gray or black with yellowish markings. Albinos are a combination of white, cream, yellow, orange and peach. The...
The Garter snake is an often misidentified garden snake. They are small, active and very adaptable. Garters adjust easily to different habitats and are known to live nearby lakes, forests, mountains, grasslands, wetlands and gardens! If you find this species in your yard they will likely be shy and defensive. By educating people and letting them kn...
- 4 min
- Know what a garter snake (Thamnophis spp.) looks like. Garter snakes are the most common type of snake in North America that is likely to be venture into your garden.
- Know what a water snake (Nerodia species) looks like. This snake is common in areas next to water bodies. While they usually are found in water, this is not always the case.
- Know what constrictor snakes look like. These include the gopher snakes (Pituophis species), king snakes (Lampropeltis species) and pine snakes. Gopher snake.
- Know what rat snakes (Elaphe species) look like.
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Jun 27, 2019 · While venomous snakes are a concern in certain areas, garden snakes such as garter snakes can be a welcome addition to a property. “It’s an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, to have a snake in your yard [or garden],” said Melissa Amarello, co-founder and director of education for Advocates for Snake Preservation.
May 24, 2011 · The related species, Milk and Corn Snakes (also Elaphe sp.) are their friendly, slower cousins and are among the nicest, most ‘peaceful' of all the garden snakes. These snakes also are quite colorful and a few can have the Coral Snake color bands, but just remember if the yellow and red colors don't touch, it's a safe snake.
