The Garter Snake (genus: Thamnophis) is the most common & successful snake species in North America, ranging from Northern Canada to Central America. Though common, there’s INCREDIBLE diversity in their colours, striping & pattern, which often results in them being mistaken for a dangerous species, but they’re entirely harmless to humans. From our comparatively drab Maritime Garters to the flamboyant blues & reds of the San Francisco Garter, this amazing family of snakes doesn’t get nearly enough love, probably because they’re so familiar… but they’re one of my absolute favourites!
Here in Atlantic Canada & Nova Scotia, all of our native snake species are protected, so they can’t be kept as pets. As tempting as it may be, wild snakes are easily stressed in captivity, and stress can kill a reptile… so enjoy the garters snakes you spot in the field, but please leave them outdoors to live their lives.
