Garter Snake

I came across this little Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) while walking in the park. It was sunning itself on the edge of the paved path, and we saw each other at the same time. I am not sure which one of us was more startled by the encounter. I took this photo after the snake calmed down and stopped hissing at me, and then I gently coaxed it to move into the safety of the grass.