One of the most rare and elusive snakes in North America is the San Francisco Garter Snake. Not only are its numbers greatly reduced, but it is a wary reptile that usually flees when approached. I’ve been wanting to see one for most of my life. The snake’s preferred habitat is densely vegetated ponds near open hillsides, where it can sun, feed, and find cover. Adult San Francisco Garter Snakes feed primarily on California Red-legged Frogs, which are federally listed as “threatened.” I was walking around this habitat, a pond near the California coast, and on the lookout.
And there it was – the San Francisco garter snake has often been called “the most beautiful serpent in North America.” This fantastically colored snake with a bright orange head, combined with black and red stripes, and turquoise sides was a sight to behold. It’s one of the snakes that I specifically search for when visiting California, and after many years of trying, today was the day for finding one.
It has been officially designated as “endangered” on state lists in 1966 and was on the first Federal Endangered Species List established in 1973. This snake is primarily active during daylight. It is a good swimmer and often escapes into water when threatened. It was awesome to finally see this snake in the wild.
