New Mexico
Garter Snake Species Found in New Mexico
- Black-necked Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis
- Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans
- Mexican Garter Snake Thamnophis eques
- Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus
- Western Ribbon Snake Thamnophis proximus
- Plains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix
- Narrow-headed Garter Snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus
- 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 or federal level not mentioned here. This page is not a definitive source. Please consult the authorities in your area.
For more information on the legal status of reptiles and amphibians in the United States, please consult State of the Union: Legal Authority Over the Use of Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the United States, available as a free download (PDF; direct link).
Articles and News
- Garter Snakes Threatened by Fire, Grazing in U.S. Southwest
- USFWS Lists Two Garter Snakes as Threatened
- Background on Two Threatened Snakes
- USFWS Proposes Adding Two Garter Snakes to Endangered Species List
- Mexican Garter Snake Rediscovered in New Mexico
- Updates to Species and State Pages
- Wildfire Threatens Endangered Garter Snakes