Thamnophis sirtalis (non-venomous)

Typically growing to no more than two feet long, some individuals can reach over four feet long. Their color and pattern are highly variable, consisting of shades of green, brown, tan, yellow, and black. Some can even be blueish. Many have three yellow stripes running the length of their body, yet others may have a checkerboard pattern. Garter Snakes can be seen virtually anywhere at any time of the year and are active both during the day and at night. Perhaps because of this, they are one of the most commonly seen snakes in the Eastern United Snakes. Virtually everybody has a story of having seen one of these. Do you?