Terrestrial Gartersnake

A terrestrial gartersnake near Mammoth Hot Springs

NPS/Jeff Arnold

 

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Thamnophis elegans

Identification

• Most common reptile in the park.
• Six to 30 inches long.
• Brown, brownish green, or gray with three light stripes—one running the length of the back and a stripe on each side.

Habitat

• Usually found near water in all areas of the park.
• Eats small mammals, fish, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, earthworms, slugs, snails, and leeches.

Behavior

• May discharge musk from glands at the base of the tail when threatened.
• Gives birth to as many as 20 live young in late summer or fall.

 

Rubber Boa

Rubber boas are usually found in rocky areas near streams or rivers with nearby shrubs or trees.

Bullsnake

Bullsnakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their appearance and behavior.

Prairie Rattlesnake

Prairie rattlesnakes are the only dangerously venomous snakes in Yellowstone.

Sagebrush Lizard

The sagebrush lizard is the only lizard in Yellowstone.

Common Gartersnake

Common gartersnakes are only found in southern parts of the park.

Reptiles

There are six reptile species in Yellowstone.