DESCRIPTION: L=up to 3.5' (106cm). Overall dark olive on upperside, lighter below. Has whitish to yellowish stripe down center of back and white stripe on each side of its body (on the 2nd and 3rd scale rows, in contrast to other, similarly-colored garter snakes). Has two dark patches at the back of the head.
NATURAL HISTORY: Semi-aquatic and carnivorous, feeding mainly on amphibians, fish, worms, and crustaceans. Gives birth to live young (6-18) during the summer. Warning: if handled, garter snakes occasionally bite and almost always leave your hands smelling awful.