Why the Garter Snake Is Your Garden's Best Friend
If you live anywhere in North America, chances are you've seen a garter snake (sometimes referred to as a garden snake) slithering past. For many, such a sight might cause a flinch or scream or; for a curious few, it spurs the need to get closer. If you're in the latter category, be careful.
Many garter species can be identified by three light stripes along their back which are yellow or orange in color, along with a sleek black body. While garters are relatively harmless, if you pick one up, it may try to defend itself with a bite — a relatively harmless bite, but a nip nonetheless. It will also struggle and emit a foul smell from its anal gland.
Common Garter Snake Physiology
Still, in the world of snakes, the common garter snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis) is among the world's most benign snakes. They were thought until the early 2000s to be nonvenomous, but they do, in fact, produce a neurotoxic venom, though the small amount and mildness ensures that it cannot kill, or even harm, a human being.
They range in length from 18.11 inches to 53.94 inches (46 to 137 centimeters) and weigh up to 5.29 ounces (150 grams).
Generally, the stripes on the back of the slithering bodies of these small- to medium-sized snakes are gray, brown, yellow, black or olive in color. A few have dark spots.
Garter Snake Subspecies and Relatives
A quick search will show that there are 35 different species of garter snake belonging to the genus Thamnophis, coming in many different colors and patterns. Garter snakes live all over North America, with some notable subspecies including the giant garter snake that can grow to nearly 6 feet long (1.8 meters).
The rarest of garter snakes is the San Francisco garter snake, which is only native to the habitat of northern California and is considered an endangered species. Researchers estimate that there only about 2,000 of these snakes living in the wild.
Also closely related to garter snakes are ribbon snakes, which are small, totally nonvenomous and typically tan in color with yellow stripes.
The eastern or bluestripe ribbon snake is unique for having brilliant blue accents along its dark grey body. Many snakes of this subspecies group can be found in swampy wetlands and ponds of the eastern United States.
There's also the western ribbon snake, which is found in and around the Mojave desert region.
Social Habits
During mating season, many garter snake species engage in peculiar activity where many individuals come together and form a "mating ball." Typically, several male garter snakes will group up around a single female and attempt to fertilize her eggs.
Once the mating ritual is over, a brood may hatch which can be traced to one or multiple male garter snakes.
The Useful Garden Snake
In many areas, garters are the most plentiful snake in the neighborhood. Garter snakes are great for the garden as well. Unlike some other snakes, they are shy and will avoid human beings and pets at all costs, living peacefully in harmony with you and your family.
That said, garters are highly active. You might see them both at night and during the day, but you may not know they are there, as they will slither away from you as quickly as they can.
The common garter snake preys on all the pests that wreak havoc in your garden, subsisting on slugs, snails, insects, grasshoppers and small rodents. They also like to chow down on worms, frogs, salamanders, fish and tadpoles, hiding under boards, vegetation, in stone walls, under logs or among rocks in meadows, woodlands, marshes and along hills.
Pet Garter Snakes
Garter snakes make good pets, mainly because they are active during the day. They are relatively small snakes and, as long as there is an adult nearby, they are easy for children to hold.
Experts recommend you shouldn't catch a garter in the wild to keep as a pet. It could be against the law. Instead, go to a pet store or a breeder, or get one from a rescue organization.
If you decide to keep a garter, put the snake in a 30- to 50-gallon (113.5- to 189-liter) aquarium with a lid and follow these basic tips.
Keep the lid secure so the snake doesn't escape.
Make sure the home has enough fresh water and is warm. You can use a heat lamp or heat mat.
Put some rocks inside; garters like to rub against them.
You can use shredded paper as a bed, as long as you change the paper regularly.
Small rodents work well for feeding, as do frogs, toads and earthworms. If you're keeping a garter snake as a pet, only feed it once every seven to 10 days if it is an adult. You can feed young or pregnant snakes every four to five days.
Original article: Why the Garter Snake Is Your Garden's Best Friend
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