Garter snakes are common snakes found throughout North America. These medium-sized snakes get their name from the fact that they often occupy old rat and mouse burrows and sometimes hitch a ride on larger mammals like raccoons. They are sometimes also seen swimming in water.
Most garter snakes range in size from two to three feet long with the occasional individual reaching four feet. The largest garter snake on record was just over five feet long!
Garter snakes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Common colors include green brown and black but they can also be yellow red or blue. Some garter snakes have stripes running the length of their bodies while others have checkerboard or spotted patterns.
Garter snakes are generally harmless to humans although they can bite if they feel threatened. They are non-venomous and pose no danger to humans.
If you come across a garter snake in the wild resist the urge to pick it up. These snakes can be very delicate and their skin is easily damaged. It is best to just leave them alone and enjoy watching them from a distance.
How big do garter snakes typically grow to be?
Answer 1: Garter snakes generally grow to be anywhere from 26 to 63 inches long.
How much does the average garter snake weigh?
Answer 2: The average garter snake weighs about 1 pound.
Are garter snakes born poisonous?
Answer 3: No garter snakes are not born poisonous.
They develop venom later on in life.
Where do garter snakes typically live?
Answer 4: Garter snakes can be found in a variety of habitats including woods marshes and fields.
What do garter snakes eat?
Answer 5: Garter snakes typically eat small mammals such as moles and mice.
How long do garter snakes live?
Answer 6: Garter snakes typically live for 3 to 5 years.
How do garter snakes reproduce?
Answer 7: Garter snakes generally reproduce via live birth.
The female snake will give birth to a litter of anywhere from 10 to 40 baby snakes.
What is the gestation period for garter snakes?
Answer 8: The gestation period for garter snakes is typically between 2 and 3 months.
Do garter snakes hibernate?
Answer 9: Yes garter snakes typically hibernate during the winter months.
How do garter snakes hibernate?
Answer 10: Garter snakes typically hibernate in groups often in places like caves or hollow logs.
What is the natural predator of garter snakes?
Answer 11: Garter snakes have a few natural predators including other snakes hawks and foxes.
Are garter snakes endangered?
Answer 12: No garter snakes are not currently endangered.
How many subspecies of garter snakes are there?
Answer 13: There are currently around 30 to 40 subspecies of garter snakes.
What is the average length of a garter snake?
Answer 14: The average length of a garter snake is typically between 26 and 63 inches.
What is the average lifespan of a garter snake?
Answer 15: The average lifespan of a garter snake is 3 to 5 years.
