Eastern Garter Snake: (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
Eastern garter snakes (thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis); commonly known as the garter snake is a member of the
colubridae family. They average in size between 20 to 28 inches
long, with the record being 48.75 inches long. Eastern garter snakes rarely ever grow over 4 feet long.

Eastern garter snakes are small and thin bodied. Their color patterns
vary, and range from green, yellow, gold, red, orange, blue, brown and black with a light tan
stripe running down the middle of its body as well as the sides of its
body. Some eastern garter snakes have a checkered pattern covering its body having a grayish or red body color, with light stripes. Their
bellies are light tan or a creamy color. Although some eastern garter
snakes in Florida tend to have a blueish tint. Their heads are
oval shaped and
their pupils are round.
Eastern garter snakes are found throughout North American, including Florida.
They inhabit areas such as fields, prairies, forests, marshes, wetlands,
meadows, ponds and streams, any environment near bodies of
water.
Eastern garter snakes are carnivores and
primarily consume snails, slugs, earthworms, frogs, toads, lizards, fish and salamanders.
Eastern
garter snakes are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. In
warmer climates like Florida, eastern garter snakes are active
throughout the year and are mainly solitary. They are commonly spotted
on or near rocks, logs, boards, drive - ways, sidewalks, leave and
vegetation debris in neighborhoods. Eastern garter snakes are cold blooded reptiles, and can not regulate or maintain their body temperature on their own. On cooler or colder days during the winter season, they restrict their activity to the warm afternoons, usually
basking in the sun. In the evening hours their body temperature
quickly declines and depending on their shelters climate, weather its in
natural cavities or burrows, several eastern garter snakes congregate together to
prevent their body temperature from declining too low. In the northern regions that have harsher winter seasons, they will congregate in large numbers and hibernate, regulating and maintaining their body
temperature for survival.
Eastern garter snakes
communicate with each other through touch and smell. Garter snakes are
usually not aggressive, however they will defend themselves when handled
or threatened by secreting a foul smelling fluid from their post anal
glands as well as striking
and biting if necessary. They are harmless to humans, although their
bite may be harmless it may cause swelling, itching, burning and some
slight bleeding, including the risk of a bacterial infection.