Eastern Gartersnake

Eastern Gartersnake: REPRODUCTION: This snake will mate on the 1st warm day after their emergence in spring. The young are born alive in late July or early August *1008,1101*. They have 7-101 young/litter *1104*, which are 5-9 inches long at birth *882*. A single female may be courted by many males at the same time, forming a "mating ball". The estimated age at maturity for females in Kansas is 2 years. Mitchell reports litter size to be between 9-57 (avg. = 26.2 /-16.8, n=22).*10760*

BEHAVIOR: This species is diurnal, becoming nocturnal in hot weather *2065*. It hibernates in November *2068,1008*, through March *2068*, in rocky outcrops with deep crevices or rotting stumps *2068*. The activity range is 2-3 acres, estimated. 482 garter snakes are estimated to inhabit a 48-acre study area *2070*. This species has a preference for damp habitat *2064,1008,883*, although it occurs in a wide variety of habitats *883,2064,1013* including the edges of waterways *882,1101*, meadows, marshes, woodlands, hillsides *882*, weedy or brushy areas and old fields *1013*. They are also in waste places in cities *1013*, and in city lots and dumps where there is moisture, or at least dampness *882*. A Kansas population experienced 36% first-year survival rate, a 50% adult annual survival rate, and an estimated natural longevity of 8 years.*10760* Thamnophis sirtalis will often flatten its head and anterior body and strike if molested. Juveniles especially will perform this behavior and will strike so forcefully that they may completely leave the ground. Adults will also spray musk from glands located at the base of the tail, and sometimes emit feces in attempts to discourage predators.*10760* Thorp has found this species in its natural habitats as well as on roads and under coverboards *11523*.