Study > Lessons From Nature
Snakes, Lizards & Amphibians
JimB:
Here is an easy one. This was taken in Michigan but I believe they common most everywhere. At least I hope. If not maybe this won't be as easy as I thought.
Wally:
The problem is not what kind of snake it is, but what species. Garter Snakes are notoriously hard to identify. But since there are only 3 species of Garter Snakes in Michigan (as near as I can tell), I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest that it's an Eastern Garter Snake. The only other reasonable possibility seems to be Eastern Ribbon Snake (same genus as Garter Snakes).
JimB:
Wally, you are not sticking your head out on this one. You obviously know more than I when it comes to snakes. I thought a Gartner snake was a Gartner snake. I did not realize there was more than one kind. I might have to do some more digging and I wonder if knowing that this was in the UP will help in the identification? Here is another pic.
JimB:
Wally, after you said there was more than one kind I did some digging and after looking the pictures of the Bulter's Garter snake and the Common Garter snake I would agree with you that the one in the picture is definitely an Eastern Garter.
Wally:
The fact that it was in the UP, would seem to eliminate Butler's Garter Snake anyway, since its range is only in the southeastern part of Michigan. And the Eastern Ribbon Snake is very skinny, and should also not be in the UP. So, your original premise of easy ID was correct. ;D
ID is easy here in Maine, with only 2 species of Garter Snake, one of which (the Ribbon Snake) is only in the extreme southern part of the State.
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