Have a mouse problem at home? Like encounters with most wild animals, observe snakes from a safe distance. They eat lizards and small rodents found in plains grassland habitat and canyon bottoms in eastern Colorado. However, coastal snakes are less likely to participate these activities. Similar striped gartersnake species include the black-necked gartersnake and the northern Mexican gartersnake. Northern water snakes are often mistaken for venomous cottonmouth snakes, which are not found in Colorado. The western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a western North American species of colubrid snake. A pale stripe, which may be prominent or somewhat obscure, runs down the middle of the body from head to tail. During their active months of April–September, they are found in moist soil under rocks, logs, and in dried cow dung in the foothills and grasslands. Found in a wide variety of habitats up to 9000 feet, these rodent eating snakes tend to favor cultivated fields, grass and brush. They are found throughout eastern Colorado and can be identified by their plain brown to olive green or teal color and yellow belly. The preservation process fades some of the color found in the scales of snakes but allows specimens to be kept for potentially hundreds of years as research specimens. [2], Thamnophis elegans occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and coniferous forests, from sea level up to 3,962 m (12,999 ft). Some varieties have red or black spots between the dorsal stripe and the side stripes. The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is considered one of the easiest garter snake species to maintain in captivity because of its wide prey preferences. [6][7] Snakes from Colorado populations of terrestrial garter snakes appear to be more efficient at killing their prey by constriction than those from Pacific Coast populations. 9:50. One cowboy's partnership with horses - Duration: 9:50. The diversity found among these species is simply amazing. We are currently closed while the university monitors the impacts of COVID-19. In contrast, inland populations indulge in a semi-aquatic diet containing frog and toad larvae, leeches, and fish. Have no fear, the variable ground snake is here! [12] Since coastal T. elegans is found along the West Coast of the United States, it is found near the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Its range in Colorado is limited to the southern portion of the state. Life-cycle. Birds; Birds of Prey; Mammals; Reptiles; Blog at WordPress.com. [11] There are two main variants that are most prevalent: coastal and inland. It should not be difficult to convert a snake of this species to a mouse-based diet, though there are always exceptions. They are also one of the largest, growing as large as 6 feet in length. 15th and Broadway, Boulder, CO 80309Directions and Parking. Western terrestrial garter snakes have well-developed senses of taste and smell but poor eyesight and poor depth perception. Black-necked Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis; Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans; Western Ribbon Snake Thamnophis proximus; Plains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix; Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis; Articles and News. … The bullsnake, also known as the gopher snake, is one of the most widespread snakes in Colorado. Also called the pale milk snake, this species typically has black, orange/red and white bands or areas along its body. Most western terrestrial garter snakes have a yellow, light orange, or white dorsal stripe, accompanied by two stripes of the same color, one on each side. Adults vary from 16 to 43 inches in length. “What should I feed it?”That’s easily the most common question asked by beginning garter snake keepers. Whether they thrill you or terrify you, these creatures provoke strong reactions in us. Their prey includes spiders, centipedes and scorpions. The common kingsnake, despite its name, is not easily found in Colorado. In addition to fish, they will also eat crayfish and adult and larval amphibians. Four more Wandering Garter Snakes were found. Read Full Post » Pages. They have exceptional fishing skills and are found near permanent sources of water. However, the constriction done by the western terrestrial garter snakes in Colorado has been found to be effective enough to kill their prey unlike the ones in the pacific coast. As their name suggests, their coloration varies between a uniform light tan/orange to red and black bands. Privacy • Legal & Trademarks • Campus Map. They are speckled black, red, and cream colored with a long snout. 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