The Magnificent Reptile: Garter Snake

BY SAMUEL C.

The Magnificent Reptile

Did you know that there are over 3,000 species of snakes? Snakes are fascinating creatures, especially Garter snakes. There are many interesting facts about garter snakes including what they look like, where they live, and what they eat. Garter snakes can also be found in lots of different places. 

Garter snakes have stripes that run along the length of their body. One of the stripes runs along the center of the snake's back, while the other two run alongside this central stripe. Their stripes can be white, yellow, blue, greenish, or brown. Some stripes are absent or poorly defined. The average length of a garter snake is between 18 and 51 inches. Garter snakes move from place to place by moving their body side to side in a S-shape. These snakes move very fast and can swim and climb trees. Even though they are relatively small, they eat smaller animals such as frogs, salamanders, freshwater fishes, and earthworms. They do this by quickly grabbing their prey in their jaws and swallowing it.

Garter snakes are seen throughout North America though are largely absent from the arid southwestern United States. Common garter snakes are found in Eastern North America from Florida to coastal Quebec, west to British Columbia. Also they are seen in Southern California east of the Sierras. Garter snakes are highly adaptable and can survive extreme environmental conditions. Common garter snakes are found in meadowy marshes, woodlands, and hillsides. They tend to like moist, grassy, environments. Garter snakes are found near water, such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and streams. Garter snakes are very shy and if left alone it will leave you alone too. 

Garter snakes begin mating in spring right after hibernation. The males leave the den first and wait until the females come. Once the females leave the den the males surround them and give off pheromones that attract the females. After the female has chosen a mate and mated she returns to her summer habitat to find a proper place to birth. The males stay to remate with other females. Females don’t always find a mate and don’t have any babies. Most litters range from 10 to 40 eggs which depends on the size of the female. Baby garter snakes are independent from birth and have to find their own food. 

Garter snakes are fascinating creatures. They vary in many colors and they are found in many places. Garter snakes come in all different sizes which helps us know what they eat and what eats them. There are so many facts about these magnificent creatures and so much you can learn about them.