Common Garter Snakes are highly variable in color pattern.
They typically have three light stripes that run along the length of their body on a black, brown, gray, or olive background.
They may reach lengths of two feet, but are typically smaller.
Although slightly venomous, they are harmless to people.
This is the subspecies Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, also known as the Eastern Garter Snake.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, New York City, New York, USA, 5 May 2014