Natural History of the Eastern Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis

The scientific name of the eastern garter snake is Thamnophis sirtalis. I encountered this specimen at Driftwood Plantation in Awendaw, SC during a control burn. I found the snake in a disked fire-break which consisted of loose sand. I picked it up for the picture and it tried to burrow into my glove and coil itself up. After taking its picture I released it on the side of the disk line that wasn't being burnt. The snake is obviously a juvenile because it was only a couple inches long. I do not know its sex. 

The eastern garter snake is common throughout the US southeast and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. Below is a picture of a mature eastern garter included for reference that I did not take.