Colubrids

Garter snakes

Current coverage is Thamnophis sirtalis. Diet and social housing should not be generalized across all garter snakes.

1 care guide in this collection

California red-sided garter snake resting beside water, with blue and red markings visible.

Common garter snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Common garter snakes are busy daytime animals that need varied prey, clean water and housing secured against very small escape gaps.

Researched care guide · Some experience

About 10–15 years; longer is possible.

Temperate land and water edges8 min read

Check the guide before planning a setup.

Open the matching care article to check its scope, follow its sources and start the animal’s setup checklist. Each article identifies any care decisions that still need individual assessment.

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