(Thamnophis marcianus marcianus)
The checkered garter snake is somewhat
common throughout the county. It is mostly found near water sources,
but I've found a couple that have been far from water. They seem pretty
common near the Sitting Bull Falls area, where they inhabit the same area
as the western blackneck garter snake. Once, Chris (ChrisNM), Ian (ian),
and myself found 4 all near a small stream near Sitting Bull Falls in less
than an hour. All looked to be yearlings as well. These garters
feed mostly on amphibians, fish, worms, salamanders, rodents, snakes, lizards,
and just about anything they can fit in their mouth. I had a rather
large one as a pet that had eaten minnows, frogs, a salamander, adult mice,
small rats, and even two rabbit pinkies! This garter was at LEAST 38"
(it was longer, but I don't know how much) which is close to a record, I believe.
They are normally between 18"-24". The photo above is a specimen
from Bexar county - San Antonio, Texas.
