Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides)

Identification: Body long and fairly stout. Head is small with a blunted snout, not distinct from neck, and white upper lip. Colour and pattern variable, but "typical" individuals usually have a yellow dorsal stripe and yellow lateral stripes running down each side of the body. Body colour often brown, can have red markings, also dorsal stripe can be red. Any of the three stripes can be absent, and overall colour can also be blacker rather than brown. Best identified as not being either of the other two species of Thamnophis. Body scutes strongly keeled and in 17 rows at mid-body. Adult length 355 to 660 mm.