Reptiles
Plains Garter Snake
Thamnophis radix · also called plains garter snakes
Across an open stretch of central prairie, a plains garter snake moves through grass well north of where many of its garter snake relatives would ever attempt to survive, its bold orange stripe catching the light against the cooler climate it has genuinely adapted to.
Overview
The plains garter snake, Thamnophis radix, is a non-venomous snake native to prairie and grassland habitat across the central United States and southern Canada. Its bold orange stripe and unusually strong cold tolerance set it apart from garter snake relatives more restricted to warmer climates further south.
A garter snake that pushed north
While many garter snake species stay within milder climate zones, the plains garter snake has genuinely extended its range into considerably cooler territory, tolerating conditions that keep several close relatives confined to warmer latitudes.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and stable across suitable prairie and grassland habitat throughout the central United States and southern Canada.
Plains Garter Snake: common questions
How can you identify a plains garter snake?
A plains garter snake carries a bold orange or yellow stripe running down its back against an olive or brown background, often combined with checkered black spotting along the sides, a colour pattern distinctive enough to reliably separate it from several other similarly sized garter snake species.
Why does the plains garter snake tolerate cooler climates so well?
The plains garter snake tolerates cooler climates better than several other garter snake species, an adaptation that has allowed it to establish itself across a broad range extending from the central United States into southern Canada, considerably further north than many of its more warmth-dependent relatives typically range.
Is the plains garter snake dangerous?
No, the plains garter snake is entirely non-venomous and poses no danger to people, generally fleeing toward cover rather than confronting a perceived threat when encountered.
Where does the plains garter snake live?
The plains garter snake is native to prairie and grassland habitat across the central United States and into southern Canada, generally favouring open terrain within its considerably cool-tolerant range.