What aquatic amphibian appears to be the primary food source for the San Francisco garter snake?
California Red-legged Frog (*Rana draytonii*)
The survival and location strategy for the San Francisco garter snake are deeply intertwined with its dietary requirements, particularly during its critical feeding periods spent near aquatic environments. The snake exhibits a strong dependency on specific prey, and its primary food source identified in conservation literature is aquatic amphibians. Most notably, the California Red-legged Frog, scientifically known as *Rana draytonii*, constitutes this vital element of their diet. Consequently, researchers and observers looking for the snake are advised to focus their efforts near known or historic breeding sites for the Red-legged Frog, as the presence of this amphibian strongly indicates a habitat capable of supporting the snake population.
