According to many experts the answer is no – garter snakes are not venomous and cannot kill you. However there are a few cases where people have died after being bitten by a garter snake so some people believe that they are venomous.
In most cases the people who have died after being bitten by a garter snake were either allergic to the snake’s venom or they had a pre-existing medical condition that made them more susceptible to the venom. For example one man who died after being bitten by a garter snake had a heart condition that made him more vulnerable to the venom.
So while it is possible for a garter snake to kill you it is very unlikely. If you are worried about being bitten by a garter snake there are a few things you can do to avoid it. First avoid handling the snake if you can. If you must handle the snake be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Second if you are bitten by a garter snake seek medical attention immediately even if you don’t feel like you are having a reaction to the venom.
Can garter snakes kill you?
Generally no.
Garter snakes are not venomous and are therefore not capable of killing you with their bite.
However there have been isolated cases of garter snakes biting humans and causing death due to infection.
What is the maximum length a garter snake can grow to?
The longest recorded garter snake was just over 5 feet long.
How many species of garter snakes are there?
There are currently 36 recognized species of garter snakes.
Where do garter snakes live?
Garter snakes can be found in North and Central America.
They are particularly prevalent in the United States and Canada.
What do garter snakes eat?
Garter snakes are opportunistic feeders and will therefore eat a wide range of prey items depending on what is available.
Common food items include: fish frogs toads salamanders lizards small mammals and insects.
Do garter snakes have any predators?
Yes garter snakes have a number of predators including: other snakes birds of prey and mammals such as raccoons skunks and opossums.
What is the typical lifespan of a garter snake?
In the wild garter snakes typically live for 3-5 years.
However captive garter snakes have been known to live for up to 20 years.
How do garter snakes reproduce?
Garter snakes are ovoviviparous which means that they give birth to live young.
Litters typically consist of 10-40 offspring but can be as large as 80.
What is the gestation period for garter snakes?
The gestation period for garter snakes is typically between 2 and 3 months.
What is the typical size of a garter snake litter?
As mentioned above garter snake litters typically consist of 10-40 offspring but can be as large as 80.
How often do garter snakes give birth?
Garter snakes typically give birth once per year.
At what age do garter snakes reach sexual maturity?
Garter snakes typically reach sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age.
Do garter snakes hibernate?
Yes garter snakes typically hibernate from October to April.
How do garter snakes hibernate?
Garter snakes typically hibernate in groups with each group consisting of multiple individuals.
Common hibernation sites include: crevices caves hollow logs and abandoned burrows.
What is the primary purpose of garter snakes hibernating in groups?
The primary purpose of garter snakes hibernating in groups is to thermoregulate.
By remaining in close proximity to one another garter snakes are able to maintain a more constant body temperature and avoid freezing to death.
