How do you identify a garter snake?
Similarly, how do you tell the difference between a garter snake and a ribbon snake?
Ribbon snakes resemble the closely-related eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), however ribbon snakes are generally more slender, have unpatterned lip scales, and the lateral stripes are found on scale rows 3 and 4 (in garter snakes they are on rows 2 and 3). They have a plain yellowish belly, and keeled scales.
Likewise, how do I tell what kind of snake I have? Eye color, pupil shape, location on the face, and eye size should all be noted. These three identifiers: body length and width, head shape, and eye characteristics will narrow down the possibilities for species identification. Color is usually very helpful in determining the type of snake you have located.
In this manner, what color is a garter snake?
Common garter snakes are highly variable in color pattern. They typically have three light stripes that run along the length of their body on a black, brown, gray, or olive background. The stripes can be white, yellow, blue, greenish, or brown.
Is the garter snake poisonous?
Garter snakes don't have fangs and aren't venomous. However, they do have a few rows of small teeth and can bite. Even though garter snakes are mostly harmless, they can cause quite a few problems in your home or garden.