Hel in identification in NJ

[FoxyG]

Hi All, new to the site because I have been seeing more of these little guys in my grass these days and with two dogs and a toddler, want to make sure it is truly a garter snake since the color is not the "typical" I am used to. This one was about 1 foot long max, maybe a half inch wide max. Any feedback is more than appreciated! Thanks!

[Stefan-A]

Looks like an eastern. Got a location?

[guidofatherof5]

Your location would be helpful.
Welcome to the forum.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Looks like a very pretty eastern too!

[RedSidedSPR]

Awesome! He's got wicked markings!!!

Looks like an eastern, (wierd one with wicked markings!) kinda looks Chicago-ish??

[wolfpacksved]

have heard of this variety referred to as "stripless easterns".

[snakeman]

Looks like an eastern. Got a location?
Its in the title.

[guidofatherof5]

Duh. Missed that completely. Thanks Tom.;)

[RedSidedSPR]

DUH. Me too.:p

[guidofatherof5]

Kind of narrows down on the choices :D
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/snake_broch07.pdf

[RedSidedSPR]

Just a really cool eastern!

[FoxyG]

Thanks Everyone! Great forum! Yeah, the markings were quite wild that is why I questioned it. I figured it was not a copperhead due to size and color but the markings threw me a bit. There was an iridescent blue on the lower portion of the snake that was quite unique. Good think I saw it just inches away from the mower, I was able to stop just in time.

Thanks again!

[ssssnakeluvr]

definitely an eastern. young one too!

[jitami]

In case you hadn't figured it out yet, totally harmless to the baby & dogs. Just like a stray dog or kitten I would supervise any interaction between snakes & toddler, but other than some hand washing there is very little to worry about. The main fear is the baby getting used to picking these guys up and grabbing something venomous.