ID based on: 7 upper labials, large eyes compared to other garter snakes
Juvenile, sex unknown. Found a short distance off the Lyons Ranch trail
Weather: ~60 F, sunny with a light breeze
Time: 5:00-5:30
Macrohabitat: oak savanna
Microhabitat: small, marshy pool surrounded by reeds and grassy vegetation. Water is stagnant with a muddy bottom. Found moving within vegetation along edge of pond.
Other notes: was found near a pond containing about 15 rough-skinned newts, which are its likely prey source. This was a small individual, likely a late-stage juvenile. Surprisingly did not musk on me, but behavior was normal besides for that. Several other garter snakes were seen along the perimeter of this pond but I was only able to catch this one.