Did you spot a striped snake in your garden? Don’t panic—it’s probably a garter snake, and it’s actually helping you.
These snakes may look scary, but they are harmless to humans and great at keeping pests away.
From eating toxic toads to giving birth to live young, garter snakes are full of surprises.
This blog will share some amazing facts that might just change how you see them.
1. Garter Snakes are Harmless to Humans
Garter snakes are nonvenomous and pose no threat to humans. Even though they do have mild venom, it’s not potent enough to harm people. However, their venom is mainly used to immobilize small prey, such as frogs and insects.
They are often mistakenly feared due to their appearance, but they are generally shy and will avoid human interaction.
2. They Come in Many Colors and Patterns
Garter snakes are known for their beautiful and varied coloration. Most have stripes running the length of their body, typically in yellow, orange, red, or blue against a darker background, although the color and pattern can vary widely depending on the species.
In addition, some garter snakes may even have checkered patterns or faint, irregular stripes, making them one of the most visually interesting snake species.
3. They Live Almost Everywhere in North America
Garter snakes are highly adaptable and can be found across North America, from the cold regions of Canada to the warmer climates of Central America.
They thrive in various habitats, including forests, water, fields, marshes, meadows, and even urban gardens, making them one of the most widespread snake species on the continent.
4. Garter Snakes Give Birth to Live Young
Unlike many other snake species that lay eggs, garter snakes give birth to live young. This unique trait is called viviparity.
Depending on the species, a female can give birth to a dozen or more baby snakes at once. The young are fully formed and ready to begin life immediately, but they are still vulnerable to predators.
5. They Help Gardens by Eating Pests
Garter snakes play a beneficial role in gardens and farms by controlling pest populations. Their diet consists of insects, slugs, earthworms, and small rodents, making them excellent natural pest controllers.
By keeping pest numbers in check, garter snakes help maintain a healthy ecosystem in yards and agricultural spaces.
6. They Defend Themselves with a Bad Smell
When threatened, garter snakes will often hiss or strike as a warning. If those methods don’t work, they release a foul-smelling liquid from glands near their tail, which serves as a defense mechanism.
The smell, while unpleasant to predators, is enough to deter many from trying to eat them. They can also slither away quickly to escape danger.
7. They Hibernate Together in Large Groups
In regions with cold winters, garter snakes gather in large groups to hibernate. These groups often hibernate in shared spaces, such as burrows, rock crevices, or abandoned rodent holes.
The snakes huddle together to conserve warmth, and the proximity of multiple snakes helps regulate their body temperature through the winter months.
8. They are Active During the Day
Garter snakes are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. This makes them relatively easy to spot when they are hunting or basking in the sun.
Their keen eyesight and excellent sense of smell enable them to locate food, while their agility and ability to quickly move between vegetation or rocks help them avoid predators.
9. Garter Snakes Use Pheromones
Garter snakes possess a complex system of chemical communication, utilizing pheromones.
Males and females produce different skin pheromones, and some males can even produce both male and female pheromones to trick other males during mating season.
So there you have it! Next time a garter snake crosses across your lawn, try observing them instead of screaming. These small striped snakes help out by eating the bugs and slugs that ruin your garden. However, finding garter snakes around actually means your yard is healthy and natural.
