Plains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix

Identification
This species has a distinct orange dorsal stripe bordered by bold black bars. Its pattern is more sharply defined than that of the Eastern Garter Snake.

Location
Uncommon in Ohio

Size
18 to 28 inches

Diet
It feeds on amphibians worms and small fish and captures prey with rapid strikes.

Habitat
It occurs mainly in the prairie influenced regions of northwest Ohio.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is diurnal and often found near water in open grassy habitats. It is alert and quick to flee when disturbed. It is most active in warm months and often seen after rainfall.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females give birth to live young in late summer.

Population
The population is small but stable in remaining prairie remnants.

History
It has historically been restricted to the western Lake Erie plains.

Human Interactions
It is harmless and rarely encountered by the public.

Facts
It is one of the few snakes associated with Ohio prairie ecosystems.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Earthworms amphibians small fish insects | Grasslands prairies wet meadows | Northwest Ohio