Common garter snake Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Garter snakes are small to medium sized snakes native to North and Central America. They are named after the female undergarment, the garter belt, due to their long yellow stripes running down their The Garter Snake: A North American Icon Reptiles Magazine Garter snakes are small to medium sized snakes native to North and Central America. They are named after the female undergarment, the garter belt, due to their long yellow stripes running down their 18" 24" Plain Garter Snake PAIL Ribbon Snake vs. Common Garter Snake: What's the Difference? A Z Animals