Butler's Garter Snake

Status: threatened

length: 15-20 inches

The Butler's garter snake is very hard to tell apart from its cousin, the eastern plains garter snake in the seven southeastern counties (see map) of Wisconsin where their range overlaps. The Butler's is usually a little smaller as an adult, but it has markings very similar to the eatern plains garter snake. It has side stripes that are light yellow to a rich orange-yellow color. Its back is brown, black or olive and it may have a double row of black spots between the stripes. You really need to have a garter snake expert help you positively identify this species.

Butler's garter snakes live in wet to dry prairies, marshes, old fields, roadside grasy areas and vacant lots. Earthworms make up most of their diet.