California Red-Sided Garter Snake

A subspecies of the common garter snake is called the California Red-Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis). One of three identified subspecies of Thamnophis sirtalis, a natricine snake native to North America, can be found in California. This animal is typically associated with permanent or near-permanent bodies of water such as marshland, shallow water, and dunes. The sag ponds in the San Andreas Fault rift zone and freshwater coastal marshes are their primary habitat.

Smaller and lighter than the San Francisco garter snake, the California red-sided garter snake is a slim snake. Males normally grow to a height of 65-75 centimeters (25-29.5) while girls typically reach 90-100 centimeters (35-39 inches). Males are also noticeably leaner than females. The body of Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis is generally red with three basic stripes, some of which are yellow or blue, and a row of black dots or blotches that emerge in a striped pattern. Depending on the specimen, the red can be more or less obvious, but it still shows up as blotches and spots all over the body and on the top of the skull. Sometimes the red may be less obvious, giving the snake a black appearance with red markings.