Plains Gartersnake (Thamnophis radix), a Special Concern species in Wisconsin, prefers almost any open-canopy wetland type (not open water) and adjacent open to semi-open canopy upland, including prairies, old fields, and weedy vacant lots. It also prefers low-canopy vegetation (<24"), although will occupy habitats with taller vegetation such as reed canary grass. This species can be active from mid-March through early-November, usually emerging shortly after frost-out and remaining active until daytime temperatures fall consistently below 50 deg. F. Breeding usually occurs in April or early-May but can also occur in fall, live young are born mid-July to mid-August.
