Alberta Herps
Wandering Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans)

• water courses south and west of the Red Deer River; scattered populations further north along Athabasca River and Peace River.

Brief Description

• slender and elongate body; eight upper labial scales; diffused lateral stripes on second and third rows of dorsal scales.

Habitat

• margins of water and associated uplands; close to water.

Feeding

• predatory: invertebrates, fish, amphibians, small mammals.

Reproduction

• mating in spring in communal hibernacula; viviparous; 10-15 young born in August.

Status in Alberta

• YELLOW A LIST

• common but localized populations; least abundant among the three Thamnophis.

Other Internet Resources

• Western Terrestrial Garter Snake: Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Colorado.

• Western Terrestrial Garter Snake: 3 photos; no description.

References

• Anonymous. 1996. The status of Alberta wildlife. Wildlife Management Division Report. Alberta Environmental Protection, Govertment of Alberta.

• Russell, A. P., and A. M. Bauer. in press. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta: A Field Guide and Primer of Boreal Herpetology. University of Calgary Press. 2nd Edition.