Common Gartersnake

One of the most common snakes you’re likely to come across is the gartersnake. While there are a few different species of gartersnakes in Indiana, their habitat and relatively the same. Most gartersnakes grow to be between 18 and 26 inches long, but their coloring is the part that varies the most. The typical pattern for a gartersnake is three light stripes down a brown, tan or olive body – although some gatersnakes may also have a red or orange pigment. The gartersnake is usually found in wet, open or grassy places like fields, streams or ponds. Although relatively harmless, a gartersnake will sometimes strike if they feel threatened. (Info from Indiana DNR / Photo credit: DNR/James Horton)