The Garter Snake - Have No Fear! It's Snakes Who Fear!
Garter snakes are the most common snake you will see in your garden. Very fearful for their lives, they hide and camouflage themselves under rocks & brush.
Quick: What kind of reptile can swallow something bigger than its own head in one gulp? If you guessed snakes, then you are right!
The garter snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis) is a nonpoisonous reptile that slithers on the ground. Although they are not deadly, they still produce a mild neurotoxic venom and a bite may result in swelling and an itching sensation. Some people may be highly allergic, but it is rare. Any bite from a reptile requires immediate medical attention.
Colors vary from green, grey, bluish and close to black and usually have side and back stripes. Unusual sightings of different patterns have also been found. There are many subspecies. They are highly adaptable and can survive extreme environmental conditions.
Garters live on land, in water and in trees. The average size is about 30 inches in length. Their diet consists of earthworms, fish, frogs and mice. They are also prey to larger snakes, reptiles, rodents, mammals, large birds and Raptors.
When hunting for food, the garter relies greatly on vision. They are deaf but can sense vibration. They use the tip of their tongue for taste and smell then transfer it to the roof of their mouth to a gland which is called Jacobson’s organ. The tongue can be seen constantly flickering in and out for this reason. It's also what's given the snake its frightening trademark and reputation.
The common garter snake can be found in the United States, Alaska, Canada and Central America. They hibernate in the winter and makes its home in crevices under rocks and brush. Their body temperature is regulated by basking in the sun. In order to find each other to mate, they leave pheromone scented trails. Sometimes they can be seen in the hundreds, all coiled around each other.
The young are born live and the litter can range between 10 and 80. Gestation is between two and three months. They mature within one or two years and grow and shed their skin throughout their lifespan. The baby garter snakes are independent and must find their own food.
The average lifespan is two to three years but most die within their first year. When kept in captivity the lifespan is longer between six and ten years. Most garter snakes live in fear because of their predators. Some people recoil in terror at the sight of a snake, but it is the snake who retreats at the sight of danger. They will only strike and attack when in fear of its life.
The next time you see a garter snake, try to be kind. Remember the snake is afraid of you - - so you should not be afraid of it.