Garter snakes, or garden or gardener, are harmless snakes that are native to North America. They are the most common snake on the continent and can be found in many habitats, usually around water, along with wooded areas, fields, or lawns. Their markings are a diverse as their surroundings, they can have stripes that are horizontal or vertical. Garter snakes are carniverous and will eat lizards, frogs, salamanders, slugs, worms, ants, crickets, minnows, or small rodents. These snakes do have a mild venom, but they lack an effective way to deliver it, which makes them harmless to humans. Some people keep them as pets. This picture is a terrestrial garter snake found in a high elevation mountain field.