Garter Snake (baby)

Thamnophis sirtalis

The Garter Snake is found in almost every county of Illinois. It is typically black with yellow or gray side stripes and can reach almost 3 feet in length. It inhabits forested areas typically near water, but can also be commonly found in city areas, especially those encroaching on wooded lands. It eats fish, small birds, as well as a variety of invertebrates, but is also prey to many larger predators.

One can also find the Midlan Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) in the Calumet area.