Alberta Herps
Red-sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis)

• scattered distribution throughout the province, localized especially along water courses; absent from prairies; chiefly a resident of boreal forest and aspen parkland.

Brief Description

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

Habitat

• varied habitat; usually near water course.

Feeding

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

Reproduction

• mating in spring in communal hibernacula; viviparous; generally 12-18 young born in August, but the litter size may vary between 3-85.

Status in Alberta

• YELLOW A LIST

• common but localized populations.

Other Internet Resources

• Thamnophis sirtalis : The Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

• Thamnophis sirtalis : 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.