Plains Garter Snake
Thamnophis radix
Adult plains garter snakes live in prairies, wet meadows, marsh edges, farm margins, and suburban grassy areas across central North America. They are active daytime hunters that eat earthworms, amphibians, leeches, small fish, and other small animals caught with quick bites. When threatened, they usually rely on escape, flattening, hissing, biting, and foul musk rather than prolonged combat. The bright orange or yellow dorsal stripe is a useful field mark, and adults may gather in sheltered sites to overwinter.
- Type
- Fang / Venom
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Plains Garter Snake