Alaska is a large U.S. State with plenty of wild forests and rivers that would make a great habitat for snakes – if it wasn’t for the cold weather. Snakes need plenty of heat from the sun to keep their ectothermic systems going. Therefore, Alaska doesn’t have any large populations of snakes as most species would not be able to keep their body temperature at a level where they could survive long-term.
The only snake species that has adapted to these harsh living situations is the common garter snake, that can be found throughout the entire United States. This nonvenomous snake is the only snake species that can be found in Alaska and is the northermost snake species in the world.
Snakes in Alaska
The common garter snake is the only snake species in Alaska. It is a nonvenomous snake. Its body can have a variety of colors but is usually brown or olive-green with three yellow longitudinal stripes along its body.
