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The giant garter snake is one of the largest garter snakes, reaching a length of 63.7 inches (162 centimeters). The snake is olive to brown with a cream, yellow or orange stripe running down its back, and two light colored stripes running along each side.
The giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) is the largest species of garter snake. Relatively rare, it is a semi-aquatic snake with a limited distribution in the wetlands of central California.
Learn about the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) – its size, color, identification, range, habitat, lifespan, diet, predators, and if it is poisonous.
The Giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) is the largest species of garter snake. Relatively rare, it is a semi-aquatic venomous snake with a limited distribution in the wetlands of central California.
Tucked away in lush California valleys, one has ballooned to be the largest of all: the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas). This species looks fairly similar to others, but has an average adult length of 90-125cm. The common garter snake averages at 55cm, with the largest ever measuring 134cm.
Giant garter snakes are mainly an aquatic species, found in wetlands, floodplains, ponds and streams with plenty of tall plants growing out of the water for them to hide in. They leave the wetlands to bask on warm rocks and search for dry, abandoned rodent burrows for overwintering.
Watch a YouTube video of this snake eating the bullfrog, that also shows another Giant Gartersnake and a Gophersnake. © Richard Porter Giant Gartersnake Habitat
Giant garter snakes are endemic to the Central Valley of California. They hibernate in subterranean retreats and typically emerge to forage and breed in April dependent on local weather conditions. Upon emergence, they utilize small mammal burrows, crevices, and other surface objects for nocturnal retreats.
The Giant garter snake inhabits low elevation wetlands in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, from Chico south to the Mendota Wildlife Area in Fresno County. There are 13 recognized subpopulations of Giant garter snake, one of which is the Natomas Basin population.
Giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) is endemic to the wetlands of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California, inhabiting the tule marshes and seasonal wetlands created by overbank flooding of the rivers and streams of the Central Valley (Fitch 1940; Central Valley Joint Venture 2006).