eastern garter snake

Are eastern garter snakes dangerous?

Garter snakes are among the most common snakes in North America, with a range spanning from Canada to Florida. Often kept as pets, they are relatively harmless, although some species do possess a mild neurotoxic venom. However, it is not dangerous to humans.

Can a garter snake hurt you?

Because of its teeth, the venom is released not in a single, lashing out bite, but by repeated chewing. ... However, if annoyed, they will bite. It will hurt, but it won't kill you. If bitten, be sure to clean the wound completely and get a tetanus shot, as you should for any type of bite.

Are garter snakes good to have in your yard?

A few garter snakes in the garden can be a good thing. They eat insects and other pests, so they can control those pests that harm your plants. You don't want a large number of these snakes in your garden, however. Garter snakes will call your yard home when it provides the right conditions.

Where do eastern garter snakes live?

Range and Habitat: Garter snakes are common throughout the Southeast and most of North America and are found in a wide variety of habitats, including meadows, marshes, woodlands, and hillsides.

What smell do snakes hate?

Snakes will often eat insects, amphibians, and other reptiles, so keeping them at bay is key. What scents do snakes dislike? There are many scents snakes don't like including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can use oils or sprays containing these fragrances or grow plants featuring these scents.

Are garter snakes bad to have around?

Garter snakes are relatively harmless, beneficial predators of rodents and insect pests. However, do not pick it up. Alarmed, it may give you a little nip (harmless but still a bite). Learn to identify snake species as well.

What would kill a garter snake?

Hawks, birds, skunks, raccoons, foxes, badgers, minks, bullfrogs, and other snakes all prey on garter snakes. Even house cats kill them.

Do garter snakes live in holes?

Garter snakes don't create and burrow their own holes. They utilize the holes of other animals or natural cracks in the soil.

Do garter snakes come out at night?

They come out both night and day. They are typically ground-dwellers, but they may also climb shrubs, vines, or trees to escape predators. Some species of Garter snakes are even proficient swimmers. Whenever a Garter snake feels threatened, they produce a foul-smelling musk.

Should I kill garter snakes?

Because garter snakes can be helpful in our environment, we don't recommend killing them if you spot them in your yard. Here are some ways to safely remove them without killing: Trim your bushes – without overgrown bushes, they'll have nowhere to hide. Mow your lawn for the same reason.

What time of day are garter snakes most active?

Common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) are active mainly during the day and are active through a wider range of temperatures than most snakes. They hibernate from late October through March or early April, but can be found basking on rocks during mild winter days.

How do you pick up a garter snake?

Pick up the snake gently.

Use a net or forked stick to capture the garter snake. You can trap them underneath until they finish thrashing and are subdued. ...
Try catching a garter snake by the tip of its tail. ...
Give garter snakes plenty of support. ...
Don't restrict garter snakes' movement. ...
Garter snakes may musk on you.

What is the lifespan of a garter snake?

The average life span in the wild may only be 4-5 years however they can live twice as long in captivity. Captives reaching over 10 years old have been documented when reptile health and wellness is prioritized along with proper snake supplies, reptile cleaning supplies, and snake habitat products.

Where do garter snakes hide in a house?

Garter snakes hibernate during the winter in large dens called hibernacula. These dens tend to be in relatively secluded and warm spaces, such as underneath a house or in an attic. Removing the snakes and placing them outside in the cold will most likely kill them, so you have to be careful with what you do.

Do garter snakes bite dogs?

Garter snakes are considered mildly venomous, meaning a bite from one could cause irritation but shouldn't be serious. If your pooch has an encounter with a garter snake, his reaction will depend on what kind of interaction he's had with it. If he killed the snake without ingesting any of it, he should be fine.

What attracts snakes to your house?

A snake may be attracted to houses or yards if there is shelter and food that are unknowingly being provided by humans. Taipans and brown snakes eat rodents and they are attracted to farm sheds or gardens where they can hunt mice or rats. The python may eat chickens or other birds.

Will cats keep snakes away?

Yes, cats do hunt snakes and cats may keep snakes away. ... A cat's constant presence in your yard may not deter snakes from slithering in at all, but when they do visit, most felines will kill them or make them want to leave.

Do moth balls repel snakes?

Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes. ... See the link below for more information on snake repellents.

Do garter snakes kill rattlesnakes?

These are also one of the best species to keep as pets (though they are protected and not really legally available as a pet species) as they are very docile slow snakes, and a beautiful shiny black color. They eat just about anything they can, including rattlesnakes.

Can a garter snake survive being cut in half?

The separated pieces of snakes and lizards may seem to be alive but they will eventually stop moving and die because their blood supply is cut. It's impossible for cut vessels and organs and nerves to reattach or realign on their own.