If you’re asking yourself what do garter snakes eat you’re not alone. Many people are curious about what these common snakes feed on. While the diet of a garter snake can vary depending on the region they live in they typically eat small amphibians fish reptiles and rodents. Keep reading to learn more about what garter snakes like to eat.
One of the most common food items for garter snakes is the frog. These amphibians are a good source of moisture for the snake and are relatively easy to catch. Garter snakes will also typically eat whatever type of frog is native to their region. In addition to frogs garter snakes will also eat fish. They are attracted to the smell of fish and will often eat them whole.
Reptiles are also on the menu for garter snakes. Lizards and small turtles are typically the type of reptiles that these snakes will eat. The size of the reptile will depend on the size of the snake. Garter snakes will also eat small mammals such as rodents and shrews. These animals are a good source of protein for the snake and are easy to catch.
Now that you know what garter snakes like to eat you can be sure to provide them with a varied diet if you have them as pets. If you live in an area where garter snakes are native you can also be on the lookout for these common snakes when you’re out hiking or camping.
What do garter snakes eat?
Answer 1: Garter snakes eat a variety of small prey including: slugs snails worms leeches insects and amphibians.
How do garter snakes hunt?
Answer 2: Garter snakes find their prey by using their sense of smell and tongue to track them down.
Once they’ve located their prey they will strike quickly to capture it.
Where do garter snakes live?
Answer 3: Garter snakes can be found in a variety of habitats including: forests fields marshes and near water sources such as streams and lakes.
What is the average lifespan of a garter snake?
Answer 4: Garter snakes typically live for 3-5 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity.
How do garter snakes reproduce?
Answer 5: Garter snakes are live-bearing meaning that they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Females will give birth to anywhere from 2-80 young at a time depending on the species.
What is the average length of a garter snake?
Answer 6: Garter snakes can range in length from 18-26 inches (46-66 cm) with the average being 22-24 inches (56-61 cm).
What is the average weight of a garter snake?
Answer 7: Garter snakes typically weigh between 4-5 ounces (113-142 grams).
What color are garter snakes?
Answer 8: Garter snakes can be a variety of colors but the most common are brown green and black.
They often have stripes of a lighter color running along their body.
Are garter snakes venomous?
Answer 9: While garter snakes are not venomous they do have a mild toxin in their saliva which they use to subdue their prey.
This toxin is not harmful to humans.
Do garter snakes make good pets?
Answer 10: Yes garter snakes can make good pets if properly cared for.
They are relatively easy to care for and are not overly aggressive.
What do you need to provide for a pet garter snake?
Answer 11: A pet garter snake will need a terrarium with a secure lid a water bowl hiding spots and a substrate such as shredded newspaper or bark chips.
What is the best way to handle a garter snake?
Answer 12: When handling a garter snake it is best to support its body from underneath so that it cannot coil around your hand and squeeze.
It is also important to wash your hands afterwards.
What should you do if you are bitten by a garter snake?
Answer 13: If you are bitten by a garter snake wash the wound with soap and water.
Apply a bandage if necessary.
Seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reaction such as swelling or trouble breathing.
How can you tell if a garter snake is sick?
Answer 14: Some signs that a garter snake may be sick include: refusal to eat weight loss lethargy and dehydration.
If you suspect your snake is sick take it to the vet.
What are some common health problems in garter snakes?
Answer 15: Some common health problems in garter snakes include: respiratory infections parasites and mouth rot.
