Garter Snakes in the the Spring

"The eastern gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is highly variable in colour and patterning but tends to be dark green to black with three yellow stripes: one down the back and one on each side, on the second and third scale row. Some individuals have whitish chequered or speckled patterning along the back, and melanistic individuals (black back with no stripes) are very common in some regions (such as on Pelee Island). The eastern gartersnake has a yellowish chin and belly. This species typically reach 45 to 80 centimetres, but large females can grow to over a metre in length."

(source)

Photo taken in Hurdman Wood, April 2016.