what does a garter snake look like

Are 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.

How do you tell if a snake is a garter snake?

Look for three stripes running the length of the snake's body. They may be easily distinguishable or appear faded. One stripe will run down the center of the snake's back, the other two on each side of its body. Common colors are yellow, brown or blue.

What is the difference between a garden snake and a garter snake?

“Garter snake” is a traditional American term for small harmless snakes with stripes running lengthwise along their bodies, resembling old-fashioned garters. It is more broadly used for all manner of small non-venomous snakes. Many folks don't get the allusion, and call them “gardener snakes” instead.

Where are garter snakes found?

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.

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.

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.

Do garter snake bites hurt?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why are they called garter snakes?

Garter snakes are named after clothing garters. Garters essentially look like stripes. These snakes have stripes down their back, hence the name.

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 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 lure a garter snake out of hiding?

You may be surprised to learn that many gardeners go to great lengths to try to attract garter snakes! You can try to entice them by providing them with hiding places (stacked rocks, sheets of plywood, or stumps) and fresh water sources (such as shallow fountains or ground-level birdbaths).

What attracts snakes to your yard?

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.

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.

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.

How do you know if you have a snake in your house?

However, there are some signs you can look for around your house: Snake skin: Many snakes shed their skin as they grow. ... Slither tracks: If you're inspecting a dusty area or crawlspace, you might notice tracks that indicate where a snake has come by. Odor: A lot of snakes have a very distinctive smell.

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 do you do with a garter snake?

7 Ways to Get Rid of Garter Snakes

Trim your bushes and mow your lawn.
Remove objects and debris from your yard.
Remove any sources of food for the snakes.
Get chickens.
Use snake repellent.
Trap and relocate the snakes.
Build a snake fence.