General: Common Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) are long, thin snakes with a distinct yellow stripe down the center of the back and a yellow stripe on each side. Often with red spots on the sides.

Taxonomy: Colubrid (Non-venomous) Snake Family (Colubridae). At least seven western subspecies and seven eastern subspecies.

Diet: Frogs, tadpoles, fish, bugs, small mice.

Habitat: Wide habitat preference from humid forests to dry prairies.

Range: Widely distributed across North America, but not in the southwestern deserts. In Nevada, this species occurs in northern Nevada along the CA-NV border.

Red-spotted Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus): Cape Perpetua, Oregon

Valley Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi): Big Lagoon, California