Well puzzling for me anyway. Found this one in the Gila River, Gila National Forest New Mexico. I eventually talked myself into believing its a Wandering Terrestrial Garter Snake (T.e.vagrans). Maybe 16"-20".
River is misleading; shallow, slow, rocky, warm water.
Any thoughts?
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New Mexican puzzler
paulbuck
Jun 28, 2003 05:36 PM
Replies (4)
chrish
Jun 28, 2003 05:43 PM
Most elegans I have seen in NM were quite drab. But that is what it looks like.
The only other species I would consider is T. eques, but I don't think that makes it very far into the Gila.
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Chris Harrison
paulbuck
Jun 28, 2003 05:43 PM
Another pic.
Erik - NM
Jun 29, 2003 01:30 PM
I'm pretty sure that is T.elegans. I've been to the Gila River 3 times and I loved it there. And actually, I've seen blackneck garters and 2 narrowhead garters, but never a wandering garter there. Also seen was a Sonoran gopher snake and a AZ mountain kingsnake right on the trail to the Cliff Dwellings. Did you find anything else?
Snakes of Eddy County, NM
paulbuck
Jun 29, 2003 11:34 PM
Thanks for the input. It was my only snake of the trip. I did see a pretty cool Clark's Spiny Lizard (I think, kind of a novice) and a Spotted Owl. I liked it there so much I bought some property near Reserve. Can't wait to get back. Next time up to the ruins maybe I'll get so lucky!!
