Do garter snakes play dead? It’s a common question with a complicated answer. snakes are known to be masters of deception so it’s not surprising that they would use this tactic to escape predators or humans.
There are three types of “playing dead” that garter snakes may use: voluntary immobility tonic immobility and feigned death. Voluntary immobility is when the snake voluntarily stops moving and lies still. Tonic immobility is a state of involuntary paralysis that can be induced by handling or other stimuli. Feigned death is an active defense behavior in which the snake actively plays dead often accompanied by autotomy (shedding part of its tail).
So do garter snakes play dead? It depends on the situation. If the snake is threatened and wants to escape it may use one of these strategies. However if the snake is not threatened and is simply resting it will not play dead.
References:
https://askanaturalist.com/do-garter-snakes-play-dead/
https://www.snakesforpets.com/garter-snake-behavior/
What is the scientific name for the garter snake?
The scientific name for the garter snake is Thamnophis sirtalis.
Where do garter snakes live?
Garter snakes can be found in North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
What do garter snakes eat?
The garter snake’s diet consists mainly of small fish frogs toads leeches lizards and earthworms.
How big do garter snakes get?
Garter snakes typically grow to be 2-3 feet in length but can reach up to 5 feet.
How long do garter snakes live?
Garter snakes typically live for 3-5 years but can live up to 20 years in captivity.
What is the garter snake’s natural predators?
The garter snake’s natural predators include raccoons skunks owls and coyotes.
What color are garter snakes?
Garter snakes can be a variety of colors including green brown black and red.
Do garter snakes have stripes?
Yes garter snakes have stripes that run the length of their bodies.
What is the garter snake’s mating season?
The garter snake’s mating season typically takes place in the spring.
How many offspring do garter snakes have?
Garter snakes typically have 10-40 offspring.
What is the garter snake’s gestation period?
The garter snake’s gestation period is typically 2-3 months.
What is the garter snake’s estimated population in the wild?
The garter snake’s estimated population in the wild is 2.
5 million.
What is the garter snake’s conservation status?
The garter snake is not considered to be endangered or threatened.
What is the main threat to the garter snake’s survival?
The main threat to the garter snake’s survival is habitat loss.
Do garter snakes play dead?
Garter snakes do not play dead.
