Standard English Name(s): common
garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), northwestern garter snake
(T. ordinoides), western terrestrial garter snake (T. elegans)
Local English Name(s): (any) snake (excluding western rattlesnake,
Crotalus viridis)
Scientific Name(s): Thamnophis elegans (Baird and Girard)
(western garter snake), T. ordinoides (Baird and Girard) (northwestern
garter snake), and T. sirtalis (Linnaeus) (common garter snake)
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Island Halkomelem Name(s):
Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
Garter snakes are relatively slender and
long snakes (our species ranging from ca. 350-1,300 mm [14-51 in] in
length at maturity, depending on species). They occur in a wide variety
of habitats ranging from sea level to montane regions and have varied
diets, feeding on a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
Many of these snakes are aquatic or semiaquatic, although others are
entirely terrestrial. Despite its common name, the western terrestrial
garter snake is commonly associated with water. When handled, frequently
these snakes discharge feces and a foul-smelling musk from their cloacal
glands.
The common garter snake (pictured), is
usually dark brown to black with red blotches, bars, and/or stripes
and yellow stripes along the length of the body. All of the aforementioned
species occur within the Halkomelem territory but the common garter
snake is the most widespread of the garter snakes within British Columbia,
occurring throughout the southern two-thirds of the province. The western
terrestrial garter snake is found primarily throughout the southern
one-third of the province and the northwestern garter snake has the
most limited distribution of our local garter snakes, being found primarily
along the southern coast of the province.
Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):