Alberta Herps
Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix haydeni)

• from Edmonton to Waterton, primarily in the eastern half of the province; short-grass paririe, aspen parkland, and marginally, boreal forest.

Brief Description

• slender and elongate body; seven upper labial scales; lateral stripes on third and fourth rows of dorsal scales.

Habitat

• highly variable habitat; both wet and dry areas; not in heavily wooded areas.

Feeding

• predatory; invertebrates, fish, tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, small mammals.

Reproduction

• mating in spring or fall in communal hibernacula; viviparous; 5-40 young born in August.

Status in Alberta

• YELLOW A LIST

• common but localized populations.

Other Internet Resources

• Thamnophis radix : Museum of Zoology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

• Thamnophis radix : Reptiles and Amphibians of North Dakota, Northern Prairie Science Center, Jamestown, ND, USA

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.