eastern gartersnake

Common name: common gartersnake, eastern gartersnake

Scientific name: Thamnophis sirtalis

 

common gartersnake infographic

How to identify them

Common gartersnakes are Wisconsin's most abundant snake. They look a lot like other gartersnakes. They have yellow stripes on the side and a light stripe running down the back.

Where they live

Common gartersnakes are found in every county of the state and in nearly every habitat type, although they have a preference for forest and woodland edges. In late fall and early spring, they can sometimes be found "denning" in very large numbers. A den of snakes is something to see! 

What they eat

They eat frogs, toads, salamanders, fish, earthworms, and insects.

Did you know?

The female common gartersnake is usually larger than the male.

 

common gartersnake sunning in a garden