Thamnophis ordinoides (Northwestern garter snake)

[BCscorp]

Hi
I am thinking/hoping this is a polymorphic melanistic form of the Northwestern garter snake.
Been hoping to find another one since I didn't get pics of the first specimen I found last year.

 

[Rick_C_West]

Hi
I am thinking/hoping this is a polymorphic melanistic form of the Northwestern garter snake.
Been hoping to find another one since I didn't get pics of the first specimen I found last year.
View attachment 241797 View attachment 241798

This is indeed a melanistic form of Thamnophis ordinoides (Baird & Girard, 1852) ... not
uncommonly encountered in the Pacific Northwest, incl. Vancouver Island. Cheers, Rick

 

[BCscorp]

This is indeed a melanistic form of Thamnophis ordinoides (Baird & Girard, 1852) ... not
uncommonly encountered in the Pacific Northwest, incl. Vancouver Island. Cheers, Rick

Thanks Rick, the location was West Saanich road out near the airport. Same property as the last one.
This snake survived a weed whacker assault in tall grass. Very thankful for that.

 

[Rick_C_West]

Thanks Rick, the location was West Saanich road out near the airport. Same property as the last one.
This snake survived a weed whacker assault in tall grass. Very thankful for that.

Have often come across them, myself, while out on hikes. You'll note that the ventral scales will be a nice deep blue coloration.