please help me identify this snake

[TheDudeness1985]

Hello and thank you for taking time to answer my question. I just saw this snake in my backyard today and I would like to know what type of snake it is and whether or not it is dangerous. I live on long island NY.

24172

[infernalis]

Perfectly harmless garter snake.

[Mikoh4792]

it's a garter snake

[infernalis]

Specifically, she's a female, Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis, and she looks gravid as well.

[TheDudeness1985]

thanks a lot for your answers

[TheDudeness1985]

Specifically, she's a female, Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis, and she looks gravid as well.

what is the best way to handle her?? I dont really mind one snake in the backyard but if she is pregnant i'm not sure. lol

[infernalis]

Just leave her be, your back yard is not the ideal place for her babies, she will move on before she has them. They usually give birth near bodies of water with abundant tadpole populations.

[Herpophiliac972]

Like infernal is said, just leave her alone. Ones that are not gravid should be fine to handle, but I would not risk stressing her or her babies. With all snakes, do not handle them unless you know what it is and accept the risks of getting tagged by said snake'