Common Garter snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

There are about thirty-five different species of garter snakes, one of which is the western terrestrial garter snake. They are typically found near bodies of water such as lakes or streams, but can also be found in deserts, plains, and meadows. This species is primarily found in the northwest United States in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and even up into Alberta and British Columbia. They are typically thin-bodied snakes that can be distinguished by three yellowish-green stripes running down the length of their body, one stripe on their back and the other two on their sides. There are typically black colored dots between the stripes or even stripes and their body is most often a brownish green color. You can find many garter snakes on Zoo grounds that frequent the Sensory Garden, but please respect them and their space! 

Our Current Resident

Ginger, Female - Hatched in 2019 (estimated and celebrated)

Ginger came to ZooMontana in late 2022 after a private individual reached out to the zoo regarding her rehabilitation. Ginger was a wild snake that they had caught in plans to help heal and release back into the wild once the winter had passed, but upon Ginger’s arrival at the zoo, veterinary staff had deemed her non-releasable. Ginger is located inside and is regularly active within her habitat and can often be found moving around the edges or ledges of her habitat. If you cannot find her on the ground, you should try and look towards the top of her habitat.  

You can get to know Ginger better and meet her in person through our programs scheduled through the Education Department!  

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Squamata
  • Family: Colubridae
  • Genus: Thamnophis
  • Species: Thamnophis sirtalis

Animal Facts

Carnivore: mainly eat slugs, salamanders, small mammals, and lizards (and eat infrequently) 

Population Status (according to IUCN): currently listed as Least Concern 

Montana Population Status (according to Montana Field Guide): currently listed as Secure 

Habitat: near bodies of water such as lakes or streams, also deserts, plains, and meadows 

Activity: diurnal- mostly active during the day 



Our Animals