Description: Variable, brown, green or gray. Belly is a clear pigment mixed with gray or black. Deaf stripes (sometimes hard to see), the yellow tape with serrated edges along the middle of the back. Stripes on the sides. Row of dots between bands. Habitat: Usually near streams, ponds or lakes. Occasionally seen wandering away from the water. Size: 46-30 cm (18-30 inches) Diet: small fish, frogs, leeches and earthworms .. Natural History: Like all snakes, stray Garter snake bear live young, about 8-10 in a litter.

Snake Pictures : Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) Full View Labels: Snake Pictures, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)