Species profile
Sierra Gartersnake
Thamnophis couchii
Identify Sierra Gartersnake (Thamnophis couchii) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules iPhone app.
At a glance
Sierra Gartersnake (Thamnophis couchii) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 1,293 research-grade iNaturalist observations across the species' range.
Notable details
- Found along Sierra Nevada streams at elevations up to 8,000 feet.
- Dives into near-freezing mountain water to chase fish, tadpoles, and salamanders.
- Like all gartersnakes, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
- One of the few snakes capable of tolerating cold montane stream temperatures.
- Basks on streamside rocks between foraging dives to rewarm its body.
Where Sierra Gartersnake are seen
Background
The Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii), also known as the western aquatic garter snake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae. It is native to California and Oregon in the United States.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Sierra Gartersnake article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Sierra Gartersnake?
Sierra Gartersnake (Thamnophis couchii) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Sierra Gartersnake?
Sierra Gartersnake is Thamnophis couchii.
Are there fishing rules for Sierra Gartersnake?
Sierra Gartersnake does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Sierra Gartersnake?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Sierra Gartersnake along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.