Species Information
San Francisco Garter Snake
| Status |
Endangered Species  Endangered Species: species that have a very small population and are at risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Listed | March 11, 1967 |
| Family |
Colubridae |
| Description | Red, black and light blue stripes |
| Habitat | Wetlands, near standing water |
| Food | Frogs, newts, toads and fish |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparous (young born alive) |
| Threats |
Loss of wetlands, habitat fragmentation, collectors |
| Range | California |
| Status |
Endangered Species: species that have a very small population and are at risk of extinction in the wild. |
| Listed | March 11, 1967 |
| Family |
Colubridae |
| Description | Red, black and light blue stripes |
| Habitat | Wetlands, near standing water |
| Food | Frogs, newts, toads and fish |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparous (young born alive) |
| Threats |
Loss of wetlands, habitat fragmentation, collectors |
| Range | California |
The San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) is a subspecies of the common garter snake. Like almost all snakes, the Bay Area native is completely harmless to humans.
The snake is small, typically reaching lengths of 18-30 inches. The head of the San Francisco garter snake is red to orange and the body has a four-stripe pattern, consisting of a light blue stripe on top, followed by black, then red and another black stripe, with a bluish lower body underside.. Their diet consists mostly of small invertebrates and fish. The snake is active from April to October and hibernates in the winter.
The snake is an important species for the food web of the San Francisco Bay Area, helping to control populations of small rodents and other pests. They are a protected species in California, and it is illegal to harm or harass them. Current populations are being protected through monitoring, reducing habitat degradation, and managing ground water by installing flood control structures, creating ponds, and channeling streams.