Flames and Eastern Garter Snakes
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
An exceptionally high red flame garter snake
A more typical flame garter snake
The flame garter snake is not a recognised species or subspecies: more it is a colour variant of the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) found in the northeastern part of its range, mainly in Quebec. Some specimens can be spectactularly red in colour, and selective breeeding has enhanced this. Often the red colouration improves as the snakes grow.
Newly-born flame garter snakes
Flame garter snakes can exhibit considerable varation, both within a litter of individuals, but also, within the same invidividuals over a period of time – with the amount, and the intensity, of any red or orange colour often improving over time.
Newly-born flame garter snakes
Variation in colouration of flame garter snakes
These three individuals, all young females, illustrate the degree of varition in colour than can be displayed by flame garters. This colouration isn’t always so apparent at birth.
Variation in colouration of flame garter snakes
Baby flame garter snakes
Flame garter snakes are generally quite mellow in their temperament, and are easy to handle. They lack the ‘excitedness’ that some of their western cousins (for example the California red sided garter snake, or the San Francisco garter snake) exhibit, and in particlar seem less willing to musk when handled.
They often can appear quite inquisitive in nature, and are the most likely to show an active interest at feeding time – in comparison with other garter snakes which may prefer to feed when undisturbed.