Pony Express Amphibian & Reptile Society
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RED-SIDED GARTER SNAKE
Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis

Constrictor- Nonvenomous

The Red-Sided garter snake has black, brown, or olive in color on the dorsal with distinct red or orange bars on the sides. These bars give the look of red and black squares running down each side of the snake. Under these bars are a lighter middorsal and lateral stripes that run the length of the snake. The belly is usually yellowish-green with two indistinct rows of black spots.

Adults range from 18-26 inches.
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Gartersnakes often are found under boards, rocks or other objects in city lots, near farm buildings, in meadows, or along streams. Like many kinds of harmless snakes, gartersnakes will bite to defend themselves. Eastern gartersnakes eat frogs, tadpoles, toads, salamanders and earthworms. Occasionally they eat minnows, small mice, and small snakes of other species.
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