Commonly speaking, this snake is everywhere in Connecticut

I had an experience recently that while it was not the first time it happened, was in fact the first time in a long time.

And it "inspired" me to write this blog, which will be about the "common" garter snake as a species-  in particular the eastern variety – which is Connecticut’s native, and the most common snake overall.

It is the snake most often seen by people who are "casual" observers whether it be on hikes in the woods or in their own "backyard.  This is because that on top of being a common snake to begin with it also spends a good deal of its time in the open during the day at various times whether basking in a stationary position or actively moving and hunting.

 The range of the "common" garter snake essentially spans almost the entire country along with many other species and supposed subspecies, which can vary considerably in color and patterning.

The eastern variety found in Connecticut is almost universally a snake with yellow stripes running along its back and sides. However with that being said the rest of the coloring can vary tremendously among individuals even ones that are closely related, and can include various shades of solid coloring usually a black or yellow or even sometimes almost a faded green or brown/red with distinct or not so distinct checkering or blotching along with this.

Habitats for this species are extensive although typically they are found in places with some ground cover and a source of water, which can of course be virtually anywhere even in major cities such as New Haven and Bridgeport where the snakes are often seen in parks or other heavily trafficked places. Eastern garter snakes are not known for being large and most individuals people see seem to average between eight  and 24 inches but in a few select spots (that I know of) there are some that reach the four foot mark (reasons for this are not entirely clear although an optimum diet is the most popular theory).

Speaking of diet one other thing that has probably allowed this snake to remain so abundant on top of various habitat possibilities is its extensive diet throughout the snakes’ entire lifespan it will be eating various forms of life in large quantities when available (and size appropriate of course)  amphibians of all types, earthworms, insects and other arthropods, slugs, even various small fish.

 I will also mention that I have never in my entire life witnessed it but have heard about this species taking small mammals and birds. It also is quite apparent with its typically amphibian-heavy diet this snake is equipped to handle the variety of toxins amphibians are known to carry on their skin - just another adaptive mechanism of this very common but nevertheless "amazing" species.

Now that you know more about this snake than most people even the ones who may often see them, I will tell you about the experience that led me here.

As I have said previously, tarps/sheets of plastic can be very ideal habitat for various animals because of their moisture and temperature holding properties. Recently I went on a walk as I often do in various places and came upon a large tarp that appeared to have been strewn in a large open field and had been sitting there for quite some time.

 Being me, I lifted it up and low and behold I kid you not there must have been over 20 garter snakes under it of various sizes and ages. This seems to emphasize the point that these snakes are prolific and give birth to live offspring rather than laying eggs and often have numerous young at a time depending on the age/health of the mother in question.

It is also in my opinion always good to know that native wildlife of whatever species is still thriving in the areas it always has been, even with mans ever increasing encroachment.

Eventually I hope to write individual articles on all the snake species of this state when the time is right, but this I feel is a good starting point.

The last thing I will also say is that these articles will generally not be to technical due to the fact that the audience it is geared towards  is often children or simply individuals who are just starting out with little to no knowledge on these subjects and may just want to at least start with the "basics."