Monday, October 25, 2010

Alrightnowyoutellme: Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

As their name suggests, this species is Wisconsin's most abundant snake. They are found in every county of the state and in nearly every habitat type, although they have a preference for forest and woodlot edges and rely heavily on open canopy wetlands for overwintering. They may occasionally be found communally “denning” in very large numbers. Females are generally much longer than males and may occasionally exceed 30” in length. Common gartersnakes look much like other gartersnakes except that their lateral stripes only involve scale rows 1, 2 and 3. Their diet includes frogs, toads, salamanders, fish, earthworms and insects.
This species has a subspecies in extreme southeastern Wisconsin called the Chicago garter that looks quite similar to the common gartersnake.  

Caleb and Christal responded that it may be a Butlers Garter Snake which is extremely similar in appearance but is actually on the DNR's list of uncommon snakes in Wisconsin and has had sightings in south eastern Wisconsin. It would be very unusual to see one in our area. 

I am by no means a snake expert or even a curious onlooker but when I saw the snake I knew I needed to photograph it. Thank you for checking in; a lot of people have looked at the picture and three responded, so thank you. This is only an educated guess; a reptile-ologist (is that a word?) may have a different opinion.

This is from my 40 or 50 year old Reptile book.

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