Plains Garter Snake
Plains garter snakes are very common and easily identified by the yellow or orange stripe that runs down their entire body.
About This Species
While plains garter snakes are venomous, their venom is non-toxic to humans. They are extremely cold tolerant and have been known to come out of hibernation to bask on warm rocks.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Pale stripes on sides of body on third and fourth scale rows above outer edges of belly scales; black vertical bars on upper lips; bold yellow or orange stripe along middle of back; upper scales keeled, in 19–21 rows at midbody; anal scale single; tongue red or orange at base; maximum total length about 109 cm (43 inches), rarely this big in Colorado, usually not more than 85 cm (33 inches) total length.
Range
Throughout the Great Plains region of Colorado, primarily at elevations below 6,000 feet, but individuals sometimes range to 7,000–7,500 feet in foothill canyons.
Habitat
Vicinity of virtually any permanent or semipermanent flowing or nonflowing body of water; typically along shores and shallows of marshy areas but often strays far from water, showing up in residential areas, dry grasslands, and sandhills. Seeks shelter underground or beneath rocks, logs, or similar cover.
Diet
Foods include earthworms, leeches, snails, slugs, grasshoppers, other insects, fishes, frogs, toads, amphibian larvae, and small mammals, obtained on land or in the water.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in large groups during April and May. Females give birth in July, August, or September.