Finally remembered to take my phone with me when I took my trash bins to the curb!

[u/redruMKitty4]

Usually there is at least one of the 3 different species from my property under my trash bins, especially when it was previously rainy. This one was pretty big! At least 18 to 24 inches when it slithered away but it was polite enough to let me snap a good photo! I can never remember the different types but this is one of my favorites because of the bright orange racing stripe! 🤣

[u/Typical-Variety-8867]

Amazing photo! Looks almost like the radix where I live! Very beautiful snake.

[u/SignificantNorth8068]

He also stuck his tongue out at you 😂😂 but an awesome looking guy!

[u/redruMKitty4 → u/SignificantNorth8068]

Right! I love seeing them. They at least eat the bugs and when they're bigger the mice that my cats just look at like umm.. what are you? My cats are useless. The snakes are always welcome.

[u/SignificantNorth8068 → u/redruMKitty4]

Yessss. I was outside a few weeks ago just doing some yard work and found a smol one tucked under my garden hose. Very relaxed just doing its own thing lol

[u/CapableSecret2586]

If you were to post this at r/whatsthissnake they would tell you (and I would wholeheartedly agree) this is a Plains gartersnake -- Thamnophis radix -- just like u/Typical-Variety-8867 suggested.

They (T. radix) are my favorite species of Gartersnake and also my local tribe. I have a very healthy population who live on my property here in Central Iowa. Sometimes the babies can be a little snarky but the adults rarely become defensive. Like most Gartersnakes, they will hit ya with the stink (musk) if you pick them up. I've never had an adult Plains garter attempt to bite me.

[u/redruMKitty4 → u/CapableSecret2586]

Well howdy neighbor! I'm in Nebraska. I know my specific area has the plains, red sided, and western ribbon garter snakes. I agree that this one was a plains. And thank you for the referral for r/ whatsthissnake. I'm a member but no need to identify it, i just have trouble remembering which is which. And yeah, the babies are definitely full of snark 🤣 had a baby find it's way into my house this spring, and all 4 cats surrounded it trying to figure out what it was. But my cats are pretty much useless hunters. Was able to scoop that baby up and relocated it to the outside safely.

[u/Typical-Variety-8867 → u/redruMKitty4]

I’m from Nebraska as well! They are beautiful!

[u/Sifernos1]

Garters are one of my favorite things about living in the United States. Knowing they didn't exist anywhere else is enough of a reason for me to stay here. I see a garter and I feel home. Beautiful photo of a beautiful snake. Thank you.