Much variability in coloration exists in the common garter snake but the best identifying characteristic is a stripe down the middle of the snake's back.

While the common garter snake frequents wet meadows and forest edges, it occurs in a variety of habitats far from water, including open valleys and moist coniferous forest.

Smaller snakes eat earthworms, but adults feed on a variety of vertebrate prey, including frogs, toads, salamanders, birds, fish, reptiles, and small mammals. Invertebrates, including slugs and leeches, are also eaten.

Photo by Dave Budeau, ODFW