Common Garter Snake

Description:

a species of natricine snake, which is indigenous to North America and found widely across the continent. Most common garter snakes have a pattern of yellow stripes on a black, brown or green background, and their average total length (including tail) is about 55 cm (22 in), with a maximum total length of about 137 cm (54 in).[2][3] The average body mass is 150 g (5.3 oz).[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_gar...

Habitat:

The habitat of the common garter snake ranges from forests, fields, and prairies to streams, wetlands, meadows, marshes, and ponds, and it is often found near water. It is found at altitudes from sea level to mountain locations. Their diet consists mainly of amphibians and earthworms, but also fish, small birds, and rodents. Common garter snakes are effective at catching fast-moving creatures like fish and tadpoles. Animals that eat the common garter snake include large fish (such as bass and catfish), bullfrogs, snapping turtles, larger snakes, hawks, raccoons, foxes, wild turkeys and domestic cats and dogs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_gar...

Notes:

I came across this handsome fellow/or gal right after a huge rainstorm. It was quite large, maybe 3 1/2" in diameter, about 2 1/2 to 3 ft. long. It was probably cold and came out into the open to get warm. It looked at me and slowly slithered away, totally unconcerned. I hope to see it again, it's a great reptile to photograph!