One of the subspecies, red-sided garter snakes, also have red bars or spots between the dorsal and lateral stripes. Telling a western ribbon snake from a plains garter snake from a common garter ...

Why it matters: The plains garter snake is one of Ohio's most endangered reptiles. A breeding program at the zoo has helped prevent its local extinction in recent years. The pest-eating carnivores ...

Minnesota's lakes are known for being a haven for anglers, boaters, and the occasional bird. But some are also prime real estate for something more… slithery.