Santa Cruz Gartersnake Eating on the Trail

Photo from CaliforniaHerps.com

Santa Cruz Gartersnake with a mouthful of salamander (or newt).

Stretching out across the trail.

According to CaliforniaHerps.com, several species of gartersnakes can inhabit the same area. This particular gartersnake was identified by color and pattern as a Santa Cruz Gartersnake. Using an iPhone on 5 magnification did not allow for counting scales, but that can be confusing even more! So I quietly sat down on the trail and observed this snake and snack as closely as the snake allowed.
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Considered non-venomous, not long ago, it was discovered that gartersnakes produce a mild venom that can be harmful to small prey but is not considered dangerous to most humans. If your finger ends up in its mouth, you may have some irritation though (and a little scream).

This snake is able to remain underwater, but also found away from water, but less active in very hot weather. Diet includes amphibians, including frogs, tadpoles, and salamanders (newts and giant salamanders). Santa Cruz Gartersnakes and other common gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) in the region have evolved high resistance to the deadly tetrodotoxin (TTX) found in California rough-skinned newts. REF