Wisconsin status: common
length: 17-26 inches
The common gartersnake is, well, common. It is Wisconsin's most abundant snake. It is found in every county of the state and in nearly every habitat type, although they have a preference for forest and woodlot edges. They can sometimes be found communally "denning" in very large numbers. And let me tell you, a den of snakes is something to see!
Common gartersnakes look a lot like other gartersnakes. They are a dark snake with yellow stripes on the side and a light stripe running down the back. The female common gartersnake is usually much larger than the male.
They like to eat frogs, toads, salamanders, fish, earthworms, and insects.