CA SB765

Designates the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) as California's official state snake

The giant garter snake is endemic to California and is the largest garter snake species, reaching up to 64 inches in length

The species was listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act in 1971 and the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1993

Over 90% of the Central Valley's historic wetlands have been lost due to agricultural conversion and urban development, reducing the snake's habitat

The snake now primarily inhabits agricultural areas like rice fields, using irrigation ditches and canals as substitute habitat for lost natural marshes