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Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis

Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis

Serpentes > Serpentes > Colubridae

Names in different Languages

GermanGewöhnliche Strumpfbandnatter
EnglishCommon Garter Snake
FrenchCouleuvre rayée
SpanishSerpiente de jarretera, Culebra rayada

Description

The most common snake species around Montreal. About half to a meter long and not poisonous.

How to Identify

The variant here in around Montreal is dark grey to dark greenish with yellow stripes. As there are not many different snakes, not difficult to identify. In other words, if you see a snake in a park around Montreal, most probably it is a Common Garter Snake.

Where When to Spot

I usually see this snake species on visits to parks in early mid April during the first warmer days. With no vegetation yet, the snake is easy to spot. Also, they seem to be hungry and will be more active.

Photos

Videos

Observations

2022-04-15Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies
2018-04-22Parc Angrignon
2016-04-17Parc Angrignon