This most common of Ohio’s gartersnakes is found across the state. Normally, it is marked with a pattern of three light stripes on a darker background. One stripe runs down the center of the back with a lateral stripe on the second and third rows of scales on each side. These stripes are usually yellow, but may be shades of green, brown, or blue. In some snakes, the lateral stripes are dominated or replaced by dark spots. The Eastern gartersnake is one of the most variably colored and patterned species in the world. Along the Western Basin of Lake Erie, up to 50 percent of individuals may be melanistic (completely black), with the exception of some white on the chin. The dark color helps the snake warm more quickly when basking in the sunlight. LENGTH: 18”–24”
Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub354_Reptiles-opt.pdf
