It is probable that western terrestrial garter snakes in California make similar migrations at inland montane localities. Elsewhere in the state migration is not expected. The nature of the home range of garter snakes in California is not well known. There is likely considerable overlap in the home ranges of neighboring individuals, as snakes can be located every few meters along suitable shorelines. Although this species is not well studied, other garter snakes have not been observed exhibiting behaviors suggesting territoriality.
Courtship occurs in spring soon after emergence.
Seven to 30 young are born in July and August. The range, habitats, and food habits of this species and the common garter snake and the western aquatic garter snake overlap considerably. Fitch, H. S. 1941. The feeding habits of California garter snakes. Fitch, H. S. 1983.