Plains garter snakes are a unique species to the Great Plains. At Jewel Cave National Monument, they specialize on laying in wait to catch rodents and birds.
NPS Photo
Plains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix
A slender, medium-sized snake. Adults range from 16–28 inches in total length.
Active from March to November. This is an active snake, but during the summer may shift activity to become more nocturnal to avoid the heat of the day.
Beginning in October, these snakes will begin to move to a den to hibernate though the winter.
Identification
Individuals have a wide bright yellow or orange central stripe extending down the entire length of the body.
The background coloration is tan to brown and a yellow stripe exists on each side of the body
Diet
Prey consists of amphibians, earthworms, or other soft-bodied invertebrates, small mammals and chicks of ground nesting birds.
Interactions with other animals
A prey item for weasels, foxes, coyotes, and most birds of prey.
Last updated: January 9, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12
Custer,
SD
57730
Phone:
605 673-8300
The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.
