Garter Snake

While doing some gardening around sunset, the family ran across this gorgeous creature living in our backyard.
This is the second time we’ve seen this snake (assuming this is the same one), and this time we were able to get a few photos.

Last time, I looked it up, and I believe this is a T. elegans, common western Garter snake. But now there are photos and we can look it up more carefully. I am still convincing Kristi that snakes make good pets. At the moment, she’s happiest knowing it’s outside.

Click on any photo to see a larger version.

Brett and Lucy really enjoyed petting the snake and saying “hi”.


Look how long it is! I’m guessing about 2 feet overall.

Good closeup of its head and tongue.

…and its back markings.

…and the interesting orange spots on its belly.

It’s really cool to think that our backyard can support “wildlife”. Welcome, little garter snake! Catch stuff and grow bigger! You’ve got a gopher to catch up to.