Butler's Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri), a Special Concern species in Wisconsin, prefers almost any open or semi-open canopy wetland habitat and adjacent open or semi-open canopy upland habitat, including prairies, old fields, and weedy vacant lots. They prefer low-canopy vegetation (<24"), although they will occupy areas with taller vegetation such as reed canary grass. Butler's gartersnakes can be active from early-March through mid-November and usually emerge shortly after frost-out and remain active until daytime temperatures fall consistently below 50 deg F. Breeding usually occurs in April and early-May but can also occur in fall. Live young are born between mid-July and mid-August. See the species guidance document for avoidance measures and management guidance from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.
