Garter Snake Species Found in New Mexico

1. Black-necked Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis
2. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans
3. Mexican Garter Snake Thamnophis eques
4. Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus
5. Western Ribbon Snake Thamnophis proximus
6. Plains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix
7. Narrow-headed Garter Snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus
8. Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis

Legal Status in New Mexico

In general, New Mexico residents require a permit to collect endangered or threatened reptiles and amphibians. The Mexican Garter Snake is endangered; the Narrow-headed Garter Snake and the Western Ribbon Snake are threatened. Bag limits apply to other species. Non-residents and commercial collectors require a permit in all cases.

The keeping of native and exotic wildlife may be subject to local by-laws and ordinances, as well as other laws at the state/provincial or federal level not mentioned here. This page is not a definitive source. Please consult the authorities in your area.

Articles and News

• 18 Jan 2013 Updates to Species and State Pages
• 25 Jun 2012 Wildfire Threatens Endangered Garter Snakes

Related Reading

• Guide and Reference to the Snakes of Western North America (North of Mexico) and Hawaii by R. D. Bartlett and Patricia P. Bartlett (2009)
  Amazon | AbeBooks
• Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico by William G. Degenhardt et al. (2005)
  Amazon | AbeBooks
• Snakes of the United States and Canada by Carl H. Ernst and Evelyn M. Ernst (2003)
  Amazon | AbeBooks
• The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology by Douglas A. Rossman et al. (1996)
  Amazon | AbeBooks