How difficult is it to keep Common Garter Snake?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the lifespan of Common Garter Snake?

The average lifespan of Common Garter Snake is 10 years or more. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Common Garter Snake get?

Common Garter Snake typically reaches About 55cm on average (max 137cm) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Common Garter Snake?

Common Garter Snake feeds on: Frozen-thawed mice, fish, earthworms, amphibians. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Common Garter Snake?

The price of Common Garter Snake varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Common Garter Snake

Beginner

Thamnophis sirtalis

A small to medium colubrid found widely across North America, with yellow stripes over a black, brown or green ground colour. Averaging about 55 cm, it is hardy, tolerates group housing and suits beginners.

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

10 years or more

Size

About 55cm on average (max 137cm)

Humidity

35〜60%

Diet

Frozen-thawed mice, fish, earthworms, amphibians

About

Thamnophis sirtalis is the most widely distributed snake in North America, ranging from the northwestern reaches of Canada to the southern tip of Florida. The typical pattern is yellow longitudinal stripes over a black, brown or green ground, but geographic variation is extensive and twelve subspecies are recognised. It averages about 55 cm and reaches a maximum of 137 cm. Diurnal, it favours the water's edge and both swims and climbs well. It eats fish, amphibians and earthworms, and in captivity takes frozen-thawed mice. Its saliva is mildly venomous but harmless to people. It is ovoviviparous and prolific, and in cold regions it overwinters communally. Small, hardy and tolerant of group housing, it is treated as a beginner's snake in Europe and North America, and several morphs are traded.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Common Garter Snake

The Common Garter Snake lives 10 years or more.

Size of the Common Garter Snake

The Common Garter Snake grows to About 55cm on average (max 137cm).

Basic Info

Origin

North America, from southern Canada across the United States into Mexico, in forests, grasslands, wetlands and near watercourses

Lifespan

10 years or more

Size

About 55cm on average (max 137cm)

Humidity

Care Specifications

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy

Sources: ReptiFiles: Garter Snake Care Sheet / Reptile Database / Wikipedia (English)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Thamnophis sirtalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms: Coluber sirtalis Linnaeus, 1758, Eutainia sirtalis Baird & Girard, 1853, Tropidonotus sirtalis Garman, 1884

Authority databases: Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the appendices of the Washington Convention. It does not fall under the specific animals listed in the Order for Enforcement of the Law Concerning the Protection and Management of Animals, nor is it designated as an invasive alien species.

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (list of designated animals)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.