Garter snakes are some of the most common snakes in North America. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats from forests to fields to urban areas. Though they are often seen as pests they play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of small mammals and rodents.
Garter snakes are relatively small snakes with most species averaging 2-3 feet in length. However some species can grow to be 4-5 feet long. The largest garter snake on record was a 5-foot-long individual found in the wild in California.
Garter snakes get their name from the fact that they often have stripes running down their sides that resemble the garters used to hold up socks. These stripes can be any color though they are typically green brown or black.
Garter snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. In fact they are often kept as pets. They are generally docile snakes and make for easy to handle pets.
If you are considering getting a garter snake as a pet be sure to do your research to find a species that is well-suited to captivity. Garter snakes are relatively easy to care for but they do have specific needs that must be met in order to thrive.
A suitable enclosure for a garter snake should be at least 10-gallons in size. Larger enclosures are always better as they provide more space for the snake to explore and exercise. The enclosure should also have a secure lid to prevent the snake from escaping.
Garter snakes are typically active during the day and prefer a temperature range of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The enclosure should have a warm side and a cool side to provide the snake with a temperature gradient. A basking spot should also be provided where the temperature can be raised to 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The enclosure should also be equipped with hiding spots as garter snakes like to feel secure. Hiding spots can be created using rocks logs or commercially available reptile hiding houses.
Garter snakes are generally easy to feed as they will accept a wide variety of food items. Common food items include live fish live frogs and live worms. It is important to only feed live food as frozen or dead food items can harbor bacteria that can make your snake sick.
Garter snakes are typically wild animals and are not accustomed to being handled by humans. As such it is important to approach them in a calm and gentle manner. Never try to grab or pick up a garter snake as this will likely scare it and cause it to bite.
If you do need to handle your garter snake be sure to support its body from underneath. Never pick up a snake by its tail as this can cause serious injury.
Garter snakes are relatively small snakes but they can still be a big commitment. Be sure to do your research before getting one to ensure that you are prepared to provide it with the care it needs to thrive.
How large do garter snakes get?
They can range in size from 18 to 60 inches.
How much do garter snakes weigh?
They typically weigh between 1 and 4 ounces.
What do garter snakes eat?
Their diet consists mostly of small fish frogs and insects.
Where do garter snakes live?
Garter snakes can be found in North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
What is the lifespan of a garter snake?
In the wild they typically live between 3 and 6 years.
What is the average length of a garter snake?
The average length of a garter snake is 3 feet.
What is the record length for a garter snake?
The longest recorded garter snake was 5 feet 8 inches.
What is the average lifespan of a garter snake in captivity?
In captivity garter snakes can live up to 20 years.
What do baby garter snakes eat?
Baby garter snakes eat the same diet as their adult counterparts.
How often do garter snakes eat?
Garter snakes typically eat once every 5 to 7 days.
How do garter snakes digest their food?
Garter snakes have a very long digestive system that allows them to digest their food over a period of several days.
What is the maximum length a garter snake can grow to?
The maximum length a garter snake can grow to is 6 feet.
What is the minimum length a garter snake can be?
The minimum length a garter snake can be is 2 feet.
How often do garter snakes shed their skin?
Garter snakes typically shed their skin every 4 to 6 weeks.
What does shedding their skin do for a garter snake?
Shedding their skin helps garter snakes to get rid of parasites and to regenerate any lost body parts.
