In this study, Fitch and Maslin document the presence of the Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) across various locales in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. They examine its range, noting variations in distribution due to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and vegetation types.The authors provide detailed observations on the snake's habitat preferences, identifying areas with abundant cover, such as grasslands, wetlands, and riverbanks, as ideal locations for the species. They also discuss the snake's dietary habits, which primarily consist of amphibians and small fish, and its role in the ecosystem as both predator and prey.