So, the locals all swear this snake is just a variation of Thamnophis radix.

I do not agree. This is the most common garter snake in these parts, but I am certain it is not T. radix. Thamnophis radix is pretty common here to, but only in the river bottoms...it is East- Central Nebraska's answer to a water snake.

This animal is never seen in the river bottoms, in fact, I have only observed it in suburban areas far from water.


Any ideas?



And for comparison, here is a positively identified T. radix: