Species guide
Common garter snake
HarmlessThamnophis sirtalis
How to recognise it
A slender snake, dark overall with three pale yellow stripes running its length. Common in gardens, parks and near water.
Is it dangerous?
Harmless to people. If grabbed it may release a musky smell or give a minor nip, but it isn't dangerous.
What to do
Leave it alone — it's a beneficial garden resident.
Recorded 182,161 times in the wild worldwide.
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